A hose is a hollow tube designed to carry fluids from one location to another. Hoses are also sometimes called tube or pipes (the word pipe usually refers to a rigid tube, whereas a hose is usually a flexible one), or more generally tubing. The shape of a hose is usually cylindrical (having a circular cross section).
Hose design is based on a combination of application and performance. Common factors are size, pressure rating, weight, length, straight hose or coilhose and chemical compatabiltiy.
Hoses are made from one or a combination of many different materials. Applications mostly use nylon, polyurethane, polyethylene, PVC, or synthetic or natural rubbers, based on the environment and pressure rating needed. In recent years, hoses can also be manufactured from special grades of polyethylene. Other hose materials include PTFE, stainless steel and other metals.
Hoses can be used in water or other liquid environments or to convey air or other gases. Hoses are used to carry fluids through air or fluid environments, and they are typically used with clamps, spigots, flanges, and nozzles to control fluid flow.
