High-temperature · up to +180 °C
NORFLEX SIL 408 special wall 3 mm
NORFLEX SIL 408 special wall 3 mm is a high-temperature food-grade silicone hose with 3 mm wall. The hose is crush-resistant and highly flexible, and the operating range -60 to +180 C makes it suitable for food and pharma applications with high temperatures - incl. steam cleaning (SIP), beverage filling and hose pump applications. The transparent wall allows visual inspection. NORFLEX SIL 408 is available in multiple wall variants (1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3 mm) for different pressure and flexibility needs.
- -60 to +180 C
- Food-grade
- 3 mm wall
- SIP-cleanable
- Crush-resistant
- Hose pump-suitable
Why this hose?
The silicone construction is the key to NORFLEX SIL 408's high-temperature resistance. Unlike PUR (limited to about +90 C continuous) or PVC (limited to about +60 C), silicone can handle continuously up to +180 C without material degradation. This is the specific material advantage that makes SIL 408 a standard solution in high-temperature food and pharma applications.
Special-wall 3 mm allows specific flexibility/pressure balance. Each wall variant in the SIL 408 family is designed for a specific application area: thinner wall (1.5 mm) for compact installations; thicker wall (3 mm) for high-pressure applications. The 3 mm version fits specifically [installation midpoint].
Crush-resistant construction is critical in hose pump applications where the hose is rhythmically compressed by the pump element. Standard silicone hose would become brittle under cyclic compression - SIL 408 is specifically formulated for this mechanical impact and can handle millions of cycles.
Where it is used
Food industry uses the hose in high-temperature process installations such as pasteurisation systems, hot liquid distribution and bakery units. Silicone's neutrality ensures tastes and aromas are not affected on prolonged contact.
Pharma facilities use the hose for SIP-cleanable bulk raw material handling. Steam at +180 C is a typical SIP procedure in pharma, and silicone is the only food-grade material that tolerates this treatment continuously over several years of operation.
Dairy and beverage producers use the hose for hot milk handling and UHT applications. The 3 mm wall variant is specifically chosen based on application configuration requirements.
The hose is colloquially known as SIL 408 3 mm, food silicone 3 or high-temperature food hose.
Technical specifications
The hose's key specifications are briefly summarised below. The 3 mm wall is a specific variant - see NORFLEX SIL 408 family overview for alternative wall thicknesses (1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 mm).
| Material | Food-grade silicone |
|---|---|
| Wall thickness | 3 mm (special wall variant) |
| Colour | Transparent |
| Outer construction | Smooth construction cover |
| Temperature range | -60 to +180 C (peak +180 C) |
| SIP cleaning | Yes (steam up to +180 C short-term) |
| Crush-resistant | Yes |
| Number of dimensions | 2 dimensioner (ID 8, 12 mm) |
| Standard roll length | 50 m (some 25 m) |
| Manufacturer SKU | 4082175 |
Dimensions and ordering
The table shows the hose's standard dimensions in the 3 mm wall variant. 2 dimensioner (ID 8, 12 mm).
| Inner Ø |
Outer Ø |
Wall thickness |
Max. length |
Weight |
Roll |
Article no. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 14 | 3 | 50 | 0.11 | 50 | 40890802175 |
| 12 | 18 | 3 | 25 | 0.17 | 50 | 40891202175 |
Fields without a value (—) are not specified in the manufacturer's factsheet. Overpressure and underpressure values are recommended operating limits; the product can be subjected to higher loads on request. Bend radius is measured along the inside of the hose bend.
Standards and compliance
The hose is qualified per the general European quality standards for industrial hoses. Food-grade silicone is a broad qualification.
- RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU). Restriction of hazardous substances.
- REACH (EC 1907/2006). Registration of chemical substances.
- EN ISO 1307:2008. European standard for rubber and thermoplastic hoses for general use.
- FDA 21 CFR 177.2600. American FDA approval for food-contact elastomers. The hose's silicone formulation is typically FDA qualified but the factsheet does not explicitly specify testing.
- EU 1935/2004. Food contact regulation. The hose's silicone is food-grade, but EU 10/2011 test conditions are not specified on the factsheet.
- ISO 9001:2015. Quality management system at the manufacturer.
- USP Class VI. American medical-grade qualification. The hose is not specifically USP Class VI qualified.
Documentation and downloads
Additional documents about this hose, its compliance and installation. Click to download as PDF in a new tab.
Help with material selection
Although this hose isn't ATEX-relevant, these two articles provide useful background on electrical resistance and industrial safety — important if you later combine the hose with electrical equipment or work in mixed environments:
The invisible weakest link
Why a conductive or antistatic hose isn't sufficient on its own — and what grounding means for the complete system.
Know your ohm
The difference between antistatic and conductive, which resistance limits apply where, and how to measure them correctly.
Industries that use it
NORFLEX SIL 408 special wall 3 mm is used where a high-temperature food-grade silicone hose must be combined with specific wall thickness - typically in food, pharma and dairy process intensity.
Food industry and dairy facilities are the main market. High-temperature food processes require silicone-based hoses that tolerate continuous operation above +120 C - a temperature where PUR and PVC-based food hoses would lose integrity. SIL 408 is specifically designed for this use.
Pharma facilities use the hose in SIP installations where steam cleaning is a daily procedure. Silicone's neutrality (no taste or odour transfer) and its steam-cleanability to +180 C are both critical properties in this application.
Beverage and dairy industries use the hose for hot liquid distribution and pasteurisation installations. The 3 mm wall variant is specifically chosen based on balanced flexibility/pressure rating - thinner wall provides higher flexibility for compact installations.
Custom lengths and assemblies
The hose can be delivered cut to desired lengths. The standard roll can be supplemented with shorter pieces or multiple rolls by arrangement.
At Particulair we advise on couplings and sizing. Send us a sketch of your application and we will assess the right variant and length.
Frequently asked questions
What is NORFLEX SIL 408 special wall 3 mm particularly suitable for?
The hose is a high-temperature food-grade silicone hose with 3 mm wall, designed for food and pharma applications with high operating temperatures (up to +180 C). Crush-resistant construction and smooth inner surface make the hose suitable for hose pump applications, beverage filling and steam-cleanable process intensity.
What makes 'special wall 3 mm' different?
The NORFLEX SIL 408 family has multiple wall variants (1.5, 2 [already on site], 2.5 and 3 mm) for different pressure and flexibility needs. Thinner wall (3 mm here) provides higher flexibility and lower weight, but limited pressure resistance. Thicker wall provides better pressure rating but less flexibility. Choose variant based on your installation's specific requirements.
How high a temperature does the hose tolerate?
-60 to +180 C continuous (short-term peak also +180 C). This is one of the broadest temperature ranges for food-grade hoses and covers high-temperature food processes (sterilisation, steam CIP), beverage filling with heat cycles and hot-air distribution. Silicone is the specific material that makes these temperatures possible.
How many dimensions in this wall variant?
This specific wall variant (3 mm) is delivered in: 2 dimensioner (ID 8, 12 mm). For other dimensions we recommend one of the other wall variants (1.5, 2, 2.5 or 3 mm) which have different dimension portfolios.
Is the hose steam-cleanable (SIP)?
Yes - silicone is the classic material for steam-cleanable food and pharma cleaning. The hose can be cleaned with steam at up to +180 C short-term. This is a critical property in pharma applications where SIP (Sterilisation In Place) is a standard cleaning procedure.
Which couplings are recommended?
For food and pharma applications, hygiene couplings (Tri-Clamp, mini-DIN, fitting with silicone O-ring) are recommended. Standard worm-drive clamps work at lower pressures but may slip at high temperatures. We typically fit couplings to the hose by arrangement.
What food approvals does the hose have?
The hose is qualified for food applications based on the silicone material, but the factsheet does not explicitly specify EU 10/2011 or FDA test conditions. For formal EU 10/2011 approved installation we recommend BARDUC PVC 381 FOOD (HD) or MILKCORD/SP/BUTYL.
What colour is the hose?
Transparent. This is a practical property in food and pharma installations where visual inspection of media flow is part of daily quality procedure. The transparent wall allows the operator to see if the hose is clear, contains liquid or has foreign objects.