Fibroline vs. Fibrolite Diving Umbilical Hoses: A Detailed Comparison

Design and Construction

Fibrolite:

• Specifically designed for standard work sites and inshore diving.
• Features a polyether-based polyurethane liner (food-grade), reinforced with a single layer of open-weave braided polyester fiber.
• Protected by an optimally extruded polyurethane outer cover for resistance to kinking and abrasion.
• Includes a 3-core twisted diver's umbilical with air, pneumatic hoses, and a communication cable.
• Delivered with hydrostatic and electrical test certificates for quality assurance.

Fibroline:

• Engineered for more arduous work sites and offshore diving where durability is critical.
• Constructed with a thicker polyurethane outer cover and a full-cover braided adhesive-impregnated polyester fiber reinforcement.
• Offers superior robustness and abrasion resistance compared to Fibrolite, making it ideal for harsh underwater environments.
• Also includes a 3-core twisted diver's umbilical with customisable communication terminations and marine-grade phosphor bronze fittings.
   

Performance and Durability

Fibrolite:

• Optimised for lighter-duty operations with excellent flexibility and ease of handling.
• Offers resistance to kinking and abrasion, suitable for calm or controlled environments.
• Designed for lower-pressure applications:Pneumo Hose: Max working pressure of 400 PSI (27.5 bar).
• Breathing Air Hose: Max working pressure of 500 PSI (35 bar).
• Lightweight design:Pneumo Hose: Weight in air: 82 kg/km; in seawater: -25 kg/km.
• Breathing Air Hose: Weight in air: 193 kg/km; in seawater: -53 kg/km.

Fibroline:

• Built for high-stress environments with enhanced durability and thicker outer cover.
• Offers higher resistance to abrasion and better protection in rough conditions.
• The full-cover braided reinforcement ensures long-lasting performance even under demanding use.
• Suitable for more demanding environments such as offshore oil rigs or salvage operations.
   

Suitability and Applications

Fibrolite:

• Ideal for inshore diving or environments with standard conditions.
• Lightweight and easy to handle, making it a preferred choice for teams prioritising mobility.
• Cost-effective for operations where extreme durability is not required.

Fibroline:

• Suited for offshore diving and heavy-duty applications where hoses are exposed to rough handling or abrasive surfaces.
• The thicker construction provides better protection and longevity in harsh underwater conditions.
   

Customisation and Certification

Both Fibroline and Fibrolite hoses offer:

• Marine phosphor bronze swageable hose end fittings.
• Customisable communication terminations.
• Hydrostatic and electrical test certificates with every assembly, ensuring compliance with industry standards.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Hose for Your Needs

When deciding between Fibrolite and Fibroline diving umbilical hoses, consider your operational environment and performance requirements:

• Fibrolite is ideal for inshore or standard work sites, offering flexibility, lightweight construction, and affordability.
• Fibroline is the better choice for offshore or heavy-duty applications, providing unmatched durability and robustness for challenging environments.

By understanding the unique strengths of these hoses, you can make an informed decision that maximises safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in your diving operations.