High-temperature · up to +180 °C
NORFLEX SIL 448
NORFLEX SIL 448 is a highly flexible, fabric-reinforced silicone pressure hose for food and pharma applications where both high temperatures and pressure rating are required. The hose is crush-resistant and compatible with steam cleaning (SIP) at up to +180 C. Textile plies reinforcement provides pressure rating from 6 bar to 16 bar depending on dimension - a distinctive property in the food-grade silicone portfolio. The red outer coating signals pressure hose, and transparent inner surface allows visual inspection. Typically used for hose pump, dosing, beverage filling and high-temperature food/pharma process intensity.
- -60 to +180 C
- 6-16 bar
- Textile plies
- Food-grade
- Crush-resistant
- Hose pump
Why this hose?
Textile plies reinforcement is the central design feature in SIL 448. Unlike SIL 408 (without specific pressure rating), 448 is specifically reinforced for high-pressure applications. The textile reinforcement resists cyclic tensile load and helps prevent the hose from stretching under pressure. This is a construction specific to hose pump and dosing applications.
The silicone lining is the key to SIL 448's high-temperature resistance. Unlike PUR (limited to about +90 C) or PVC (limited to about +60 C), silicone can handle continuously up to +180 C without material degradation. SIP compatibility is a direct consequence of silicone's heat resistance.
The red outer coating is not cosmetic - it is an industry convention for pressure-rated food hoses. Unlike transparent or white hoses (typically without pressure rating), red colour immediately signals that the hose is rated for high-pressure applications. This is a safety and practicality-oriented design choice.
Where it is used
Hose pump installations in pharma and food facilities use the hose as primary pump element. The hose is specifically designed for this use - textile reinforcement resists cyclic compression, and the silicone lining is chemically neutral to the pumped media.
Dosing and beverage filling facilities use the hose for precise liquid distribution. 6-16 bar pressure rating is plenty for most dosing pump systems, and SIP compatibility ensures the hose can be cleaned between product batches without losing integrity.
Dairy facilities use the hose for hot milk handling and pasteurisation systems. The broad temperature range and high-pressure rating in a single hose make SIL 448 a standard solution that replaces multiple specialised hoses.
The hose is colloquially known as SIL 448, food pressure hose or silicone hose-pump hose.
Technical specifications
The hose's key specifications are briefly summarised below. Textile plies reinforcement gives SIL 448 a pressure rating that SIL 408 does not have - a distinctive property in the food-grade silicone portfolio.
| Material | Food-grade silicone (inner and outer) |
|---|---|
| Reinforcement | Textile plies |
| Colour | Transparent inner, red outer |
| Temperature range | -60 to +180 C |
| Working pressure | 6-16 bar (depending on dimension) |
| Wall thickness | 2.5-4.5 mm depending on dimension |
| Crush-resistant | Yes (hose pump-suitable) |
| SIP cleaning | Steam up to +180 C short-term |
| Standard roll length | 25 m |
| Manufacturer SKU | 4480000 |
Dimensions and ordering
The table shows the hose's 9 standard dimensions. Pressure falls gradually with dimension from 16 bar at 3 mm to 6 bar at 19 mm. Wall thickness simultaneously increases from 2.5 mm to 4.5 mm.
| Inner Ø |
Outer Ø |
Wall thickness |
Working pressure |
Bend radius |
Max. length |
Weight |
Roll |
Article no. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 8 | 2.5 | 16 | 24 | 25 | 0.06 | 25 | 44890300000 |
| 4 | 9 | 2.5 | 15 | 33 | 25 | 0.07 | 25 | 44890400000 |
| 5 | 11 | 3 | 13 | 33 | 25 | 0.09 | 25 | 44890500000 |
| 6 | 12 | 3 | 12 | 37 | 25 | 0.1 | 25 | 44890600000 |
| 8 | 14.4 | 3.2 | 10 | 41 | 25 | 0.15 | 25 | 44890800000 |
| 10 | 17 | 3.5 | 9 | 45 | 25 | 0.18 | 25 | 44891000000 |
| 13 | 21 | 3.5 | 8 | 64 | 25 | 0.22 | 25 | 44891300000 |
| 16 | 25 | 4.5 | 7 | 72 | 25 | 0.3 | 25 | 44891600000 |
| 19 | 28 | 4.5 | 6 | 81 | 25 | 0.4 | 25 | 44891900000 |
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.
- 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.
- ISO 9001:2015. Quality management system at the manufacturer.
- BGW recommendation. German Bundesgesundheitsamt recommendation for food-contact elastomers.
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 448 is used where a high-pressure and high-temperature food hose is required - typically in hose pump installations, dosing systems and high-temperature process intensity in food and pharma.
Hose pump installations are the main market. Hose pumps rhythmically compress the hose to move media - an application requiring crush-resistant construction. Textile plies reinforcement prevents crack formation under cyclic compression, and silicone material's neutrality ensures the pumped medium is not affected by contact.
Dosing systems in pharma and food use the hose for precise liquid distribution under pressure. Pressure rating 6-16 bar covers most dosing pump systems, and SIP compatibility is typically required in pharma applications where revalidation requires sterile installations.
Beverage filling and dairy applications use the hose for hot liquid distribution under pressure. Pasteurisation at 90-130 C, UHT treatment and hot tapping are all applications where both temperature and pressure rating are critical.
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 makes NORFLEX SIL 448 different from other SIL hoses?
SIL 448 is the fabric-reinforced pressure hose version in the SIL family. Compared to SIL 408 (food-grade without pressure rating), 448 has specific working pressure ratings from 6 bar to 16 bar depending on dimension. Textile plies reinforcement provides higher pressure resistance, and red outer coating is an industry convention for pressure hoses.
How high a temperature does the hose tolerate?
-60 to +180 C continuously - same as SIL 408. Silicone is the specific material that makes these temperatures possible without material degradation. Combined with textile plies reinforcement, the hose can handle both high temperatures and high pressure simultaneously.
How many dimensions are in the range?
9 dimensions from ID 3 mm to 19 mm. Pressure falls gradually with dimension: 16 bar on the 3 mm version, falling to 6 bar on the 19 mm version. Wall thickness simultaneously increases from 2.5 mm to 4.5 mm. Standard roll length is 25 m across the range.
What colour is the hose?
Transparent inner tube, red outer coating. The red colour is an industry convention for pressure-rated food hoses - easily visible as a warning marker against leaks and as visual identification in installations with multiple hose types. The transparent inner tube allows visual inspection of media flow.
Is the hose suitable for hose pump applications?
Yes - the factsheet explicitly notes hose pumps as an application. Crush-resistant construction is required for hose pumps where the hose is rhythmically compressed by the pump element. Textile plies reinforcement prevents the wall from cracking under cyclic compression.
Which couplings are recommended?
For 6-16 bar working pressure, metal crimp clamps or hygiene couplings with pressure rating (Tri-Clamp, mini-DIN) are recommended. Standard worm-drive clamps are NOT sufficient for high-pressure applications. We typically fit couplings to the hose by arrangement.
Is the hose suitable for food contact?
Yes - the silicone lining is food-grade, and the hose is used in food and pharma industries. The factsheet does not however explicitly specify EU 10/2011 or FDA test conditions. For formal EU 10/2011 approval we recommend specific food-grade hoses (BARDUC, MILKCORD).
Can the hose be steam-cleaned?
Yes - the silicone lining tolerates steam at up to +180 C short-term, making the hose compatible with standard SIP (Sterilisation In Place) cleaning procedures. This is critical in pharma and dairy applications where SIP is a daily procedure.