Pneumatic tube failures: main causes and how to avoid them in the industry.

In industrial applications, pneumatic tubing failures are rarely solely associated with the material. In most cases, the origin lies in inadequate specification for the actual operating conditions.

This misalignment compromises the performance of the pneumatic system as a whole, generating significant impacts such as: unscheduled production stoppages, loss of operational efficiency, increased maintenance costs, and reduced component lifespan.

Correct pneumatic tubing specification requires a comprehensive technical analysis, considering not only the product but the entire application context.

Below, we highlight the main causes of pneumatic tubing failures in industry.

Chemical Incompatibility

Industrial environments expose pneumatic tubing to various chemical agents, such as oils, solvents, and process vapors. When there is incompatibility between the material, the fluid, and the environment, the following may occur:

- Material degradation;

- Swelling;

- Cracks and fissures.

Proper material selection is essential to ensure tubing durability and system reliability. Temperature outside the recommended range

Each material has specific operating temperature limits. Exposure to high temperatures or constant thermal variations can cause:

- Loss of mechanical properties;

- Deformation;

- Reduction in pressure resistance.

Materials such as polyurethane (TPU), polyamide (PA), and polyethylene (PE) should be selected based on actual application conditions, not just nominal catalog values.

Bending radius below the minimum limit

Failure to meet the minimum bending radius is a frequent cause of failures. This condition can generate:

- Increased internal stresses;

- Reduction of the passage section;

- Permanent deformation.

As a consequence, there is a partial or total reduction in fluid flow, causing significant system failures.

Repetitive bending cycles

In moving systems, pneumatic tubes are subjected to continuous cycles of displacement (such as vibrations, bending, or torsion). Without proper specification, this can cause:

- Material fatigue;

- Formation of microcracks;

- Premature rupture.

The analysis must consider the material's behavior throughout the entire operational cycle, and not just in static conditions.

Inadequate Material Selection

Material selection should not only consider system pressure or dimensions. It is essential to evaluate:

- Chemical environment;

- Operating temperature;

- System dynamics;

- Required flexibility;

- Expected service life.

Correct specification is crucial for the reliability and predictability of the pneumatic system.

How to Avoid Pneumatic Tubing Failures
Avoiding failures requires an integrated technical approach, based on:

- Evaluation of actual operating conditions;

- Analysis of environmental variables;

- Understanding the dynamic behavior of the system;

- Definition of performance requirements over time.

This approach reduces failures, increases component durability, and improves operational efficiency.

Applied Engineering in Pneumatic Tubing Specification
At Mantova, pneumatic tubing specification is conducted based on applied engineering and field analysis. Our process involves:

- Detailed technical evaluation of the application;

- Careful material selection;

- Performance testing;

- Rigorous process control.

This method allows the development of solutions with high reliability, dimensional stability, and consistent field performance.

Talk to a specialist
If you are looking to increase the durability of your pneumatic systems or eliminate recurring failures, our team is prepared to support you in finding the most suitable technical specification for your application.