Eaton’s Hydraulics Group has introduced a new line of flexible rubber hose designed for use with biodiesel B2 to B100 in diesel engines and for applications using synthetic lubricants in high-temperature truck transmission-oil-cooler applications. 

GH100 hose features a hydrogenated nitrile rubber tube, wrapped with aramid/poly braid reinforcement with a polyester abrasion-resistant cover. It’s qualified for underhood use with B2 to B20 up to 150 degrees C, B100 up to 125 C, and for oil coolers using synthetic lubricants at peak temperatures up to 175 C.

Eaton’s Doris Showalter, senior product manager, says these fluids can quickly make ordinary hose products brittle and prone to cracking, among other forms of premature failure. At temperatures above 100 degrees C, she says, some biodiesel blends above B20 can ‘bake out’ the elastomers necessary to keep hoses flexible. This is said to be a particular problem in vehicles that may see a variety of fuel blends – B5 this week, B20 and higher next week, for example. Temperature is the catalyst, but the materials used in GH100 are said to resist ‘bake out’ which reduces the potential for damage and early hose failure.

Eaton GH100 is intended to fill the temperature/performance gap between conventional CPE (chlorinated polyethylene) tube hose products and premium PTFE (Teflon) hoses on these vehicles. It meets the requirements of common industry test methods and has also passed various specific customer/OE biodiesel and fuel test requirements, Eaton says. It’s also fully compatible with industry-standard threaded fittings and formed tubes, as well as Eaton’s own threadless STC connectors.

The initial product offering will include sizes 6 through 12. Other sizes can be produced to meet specific customer requirements.