6 Ways to Use Silicone Rubber Tubing

Introduction

Silicone rubber tubes are used in different industries and applications like in medical devices, food processing machines, peristaltic pumps, laboratory equipment, and industrial processes. But not all silicone tubes are compatible with each application type. Mismatched silicone tubes can create leaking, irregular flow, quick wearing, or non-compliance with the particular application requirements.

Choosing suitable silicone rubber tubing for the B2B procurement process is more complicated than simply choosing the cheapest one. The purchaser needs to consider the type of material transported in the tubing, the temperature and pressure ranges of the tubing, tube size, sterilization process, and certification papers.

In the guide below, we are going to discuss 6 uses of silicone rubber tubing and what to verify before ordering.

Medical Devices: When Reliability Matters More Than Price

⚕Where medical silicone tubing is used

Tubing can be part of the design of the medical equipment where it is used for transportation of fluid or gases or for any other purpose. Some examples of this include certain types of breathing equipment, fluid delivery systems and other medical devices. The needs of assessment may vary greatly for the tubes that contact either equipment only or patients.

✔What buyers should check before ordering

Inquire regarding the nature of contact desired, the formulation of the material, size and shape, cleaning process, and what documents can be provided concerning the final part.

The question is not just about determining whether the tubing is labeled “medical grade” when it comes to procurement. The tests that have been done and the claims made about the particular product need to be established, as well as whether the test results are in line with the use that will be made of it, and whether there is an effect on the requirements from the manufacture and sterilization process.

Food and Beverage Processing: Keep the Product Flowing

⇄Moving liquids through processing equipment

In the manufacture of beverages and food, there is tubing that can move fluids like water, beverages, syrups or raw materials from one machine to another. Using the right tubing will make installation easy and maintenance efficient compared to rigid pipes. “Silicone” alone does not guarantee suitability in all food contact situations.

⚙Food contact is not a one-size-fits-all approval

The purchaser must ascertain the product, the temperature, the contact time, the cleaning agent used and the market that will utilize the machinery. The appropriate documentation relating to food contact should then be requested based on the specific product and conditions. For instance, U.S. regulation 21 CFR 177.2600 concerns itself with certain rubber articles that are meant for repeated use under the conditions stated in that section. It does not apply generally to all silicone tubes and their uses.

Also consider cleanability and replacement: if the line is difficult to inspect or clean, the cheapest tube may not be the lowest-cost choice over the life of the equipment. Confirm the cleaning routine with the tube supplier and your process or quality team.

Peristaltic Pumps: The Tubing Does More Than Carry Liquid

⚙Why pump tubing must match the pump

The operation of a peristaltic pump involves the compression of a tube. This case is different from previous cases in that the tube is not passive since the physical properties of the tube play an integral part in determining flow and performance. The dimensions of the tube play a key role in fitting the tube inside the pump head.

⏲How to avoid replacing tubing too soon

Before determining which peristaltic pump tubing will be used, it is necessary to know what type of pump or pump head will be employed, the flow rate, the speed, the characteristics of the fluid, the duty cycle, and the acceptable replacement cycle. The test conditions under which the given service life number was determined should be asked from the manufacturer.

Should dosing precision be important, test it in the actual pump configuration as opposed to simply looking at the pump specifications from the catalog. The result of flow and checking of the tubing after the process will help to avoid a bigger manufacturing problem later. When choosing flexible silicone tubing for a peristaltic pump, it is necessary to choose the tubing that is able to withstand compression and recover in the conditions it will be operated.

Laboratory and Biopharmaceutical Applications: Choosing Tubing for Fluid Handling

✂Supporting sample transfer and process equipment

Tubing is used in laboratories where the transport of samples, reagents, or process fluids takes place via equipment. The tubing selection in pharmaceuticals not only impacts on validation and cleaning but also on documentation, as the tubing that can be used in a regular laboratory is not always suitable in a pharmaceutical process.

📄Check cleanliness, compatibility, and documentation

Begin with the fluid and the process: what fluid will touch the tube, for how long, at what temperature, and under what process of cleaning or sterilization? Depending on the use case, the customer may require information on extractables and leachables, biological evaluation, particle generation, or batch identification. Require only the relevant testing and data regarding the final use, and make sure the evidence relates to the specific construction and manufacturing process of the tube.

In a new program, communicate the use case to the supplier early on. It’s easier to determine the proper materials and documentation prior to tooling, sampling, or validation than after designing a production line with a certain tube in mind.

Industrial Fluid Transfer: Check Silicone Tubing Compatibility First

❓Is Silicone Tubing Suitable for Every Industrial Fluid?

Silicone tubes can be employed in specific fluid transfer processes within industry, but they may not be compatible with all chemicals, solvents, or fluids. Compatibility is dependent upon the specific nature of the fluid, its concentration, temperature, and operating environment.

Before purchasing silicone rubber tubing to be used in industrial machinery, the purchaser needs to ensure that:

Don’t make assumptions about the “chemical resistant” claim without considering the specific test conditions used. Where the application includes handling of dangerous liquids, or the possibility of leakage creates safety hazards, the engineering or safety department should be consulted prior to making your decision.

The objective for the industrial buyer is selecting the tubing that corresponds to the actual application conditions and not merely purchasing the material by name or cost alone.

Custom Silicone Tubing: When Standard Sizes Do Not Fit

✂When Should You Consider Custom Silicone Tubing?

Standard silicone tubing may not meet every equipment design or assembly requirement. Custom silicone tubing can be considered when a project requires specific dimensions, a special tube profile, multiple channels, or additional processing to fit the final assembly.

Before requesting a quotation, prepare the following information:

A dimensioned drawing or physical sample can help reduce misunderstandings during development. For critical dimensions, ask the supplier how the sample will be measured and how the approved specifications will be maintained during production.

⚙What Customization Services Should Buyers Confirm?

According to Ruixiang, it offers development of OEM/ODM based on customers' drawings and samples. The processing services offered by Ruixiang are cutting, printing of logo, adhesive backing, and bonding. These processes may be useful in case your silicone tube requires some extra processing for equipment assembly.

Before placing the order, make sure that the desired processing and designs can be done and what is the tolerance level, if there are samples available and how will the production specs be approved.

When selecting silicone rubber tubing suppliers for any customized applications, the buyer should not only consider the specifications of the products. Working from technical drawings and samples, along with providing extra processing services, will be important for the project where standard tubes do not match. Ruixiang provides the services like OEM or ODM and offers to customize the product according to the needs of the buyer. They provide services like cutting, printing of logo, adhesive backing, and bonding of the tube.

FAQ

Conclusion