Overview
EN ISO 4080:2024 - Rubber and plastics hoses and tubing, and their assemblies - Determination of permeability to gas (ISO 4080:2024) is the fifth-edition CEN-endorsed standard for measuring gas permeability through rubber and plastic hoses, tubing and their assembled fittings. Approved June 2024 and superseding EN ISO 4080:2009, the document defines three standardized test methods to quantify the volume of test gas diffusing through hose/tubing walls, the hose–fitting interface, or the complete assembly including end fittings.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Three test methods
- Method 1 - measures permeability of the complete hose or tubing wall (excluding end fittings). Typical test piece: 1 m ± 0.01 m exposed under the gas-collecting trough.
- Method 2 - measures permeability specifically at the hose-to-fitting interface (textile-reinforced hose with unpricked cover; 1 m ± 0.01 m between fittings).
- Method 3 - measures permeability of the complete assembly including end fittings (minimum test length 0.5 m ±1 %; 1 m may be used for direct comparison across methods).
- Apparatus and instrumentation
- Gas supply with pressure regulator and safety excess-flow shutoff.
- Calibrated pressure gauge/transducer (test pressure targeted between 15 % and 85 % of full-scale).
- Water bath for temperature control and gas-collecting apparatus (measuring cylinders, troughs/funnels) as illustrated in the standard.
- Test conditions and procedure
- Specified test temperature, test gas selection, and test pressure requirements.
- Preparation and conditioning of test pieces in accordance with referenced methods.
- Clear expression of results and required test-report contents.
- Supporting material
- Definitions, terms (permeability, end fitting), and informative annexes offering guidance on permeability interpretation, method selection and saturated vapour pressure.
Applications and practical value
- Use this standard to:
- Assess and compare gas permeability performance of hoses, tubing and assemblies for gas-handling applications.
- Validate compatibility of end fittings and sealing methods where leak-tightness and permeation control are critical.
- Support product specification, quality control, type approval and supplier evaluation for gas delivery systems.
- Typical sectors: manufacturers of rubber/plastic hoses and tubing, independent testing laboratories, OEMs and procurement teams specifying components for gas applications (industrial gas transfer, fuel/gasoline systems, medical gas delivery, and other gas service uses).
Who should use this standard
- Hose and tubing manufacturers, test laboratories, product designers, quality assurance and compliance teams, and technical procurement specialists working with gas applications requiring quantified permeability data.
Related standards
- ISO 8330 - Vocabulary for rubber and plastics hoses and assemblies (referenced for terms).
- ISO 23529 - General procedures for preparing and conditioning rubber test pieces.
- EN ISO 4080:2009 - previous edition (now superseded).
Keywords: EN ISO 4080:2024, gas permeability test, rubber hoses, plastics tubing, hose assemblies, permeability to gas, method 1, method 2, method 3, end fittings, gas-collecting apparatus.
