Is Silicone Tubing Safe?
Silicone tubing has an important role in diverse industries, from healthcare to food processing and is renowned for its flexibility, durability, and thermal resistance. However, as with any widely used material, questions about its safety may be raised among consumers and professionals who are looking to use this versatile material.
In this guide, we will have a look at the safety considerations surrounding silicone tubing, examining the advantages of silicone tubing, potential risks, regulatory standards, and practical guidelines for ensuring safe usage.
United Silicones provides a wide range of custom silicone tubing specifications for your application. Talk to us today.
What is Silicone Tubing?
Silicone tubing is a flexible hollow tube made from silicone, a synthetic polymer that is produced from silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. It is known for its excellent heat resistance, flexibility, and biocompatibility. Silicone tubing is commonly used in various applications such as medical devices, pharmaceutical manufacturing, food processing, laboratory equipment, plumbing systems, and more.
A major advantage of silicone tubing is its biocompatibility for medical applications, which refers to its ability to be used safely within the human body without causing adverse reactions. This makes silicone tubing a preferred choice for various medical devices such as catheters, respiratory tubing, and feeding tubes. It is also commonly used in the food and beverage industry, as it is non-toxic, odourless, and tasteless, ensuring that it does not affect the quality or taste of the products it comes into contact with.
What is Silicone Tubing Used For?
Silicone tubing is incredibly versatile and finds extensive use in various industries. In medicine and pharmaceuticals, it's crucial for devices like catheters, where flexibility and compatibility with the body are essential. Its ability to resist chemicals and withstand extreme temperatures makes it reliable for safely delivering medications, fluids, and gases in healthcare settings.
For food production and beverage applications, silicone tubing meets strict food-grade standards, making it perfect for the transfer of liquids and gases without compromising product quality or safety. It's prized for its resistance to high temperatures and ease of sterilisation, making it invaluable in applications from dairy processing to beer brewing and food dispensing systems.
In medical laboratory settings, silicone tubing is valued for its chemical inertness and transparency, which allow for precise fluid handling and clear observation in experiments. It's widely used in chromatography, fluid transfer, and various scientific processes where accuracy and reliability are crucial.
Across industries, silicone tubing is trusted for its durability and ability to perform under tough conditions. Whether in automotive applications, where it resists automotive fluids and fuels, or aerospace applications, where it handles extreme temperatures and pressures, silicone tubing ensures reliable fluid transfer and operational safety.
For more information, take a look at our guide, what is silicone tubing used for.
United Silicones provides a wide range of silicone tubing specifications for your application. Talk to us today.
Is Silicone Rubber Safe? The Safety Considerations
While silicone tubing is generally considered a safe material for tubing, there are some safety considerations to keep in mind regarding its use and potential impact on the quality or taste of the products it comes into contact with.
Quality and Certification: When purchasing silicone tubing, it is crucial to ensure that it meets the necessary quality and safety standards. Look for tubing that has been tested and certified by reputable organisations, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, or the European Union's CE marking.
Temperature Resistance: Although silicone tubing is known for its heat resistance, it is important to be aware of its temperature limitations. Different grades of silicone have different temperature ranges they can withstand, so it is essential to choose the appropriate grade for your specific application. Exposing silicone tubing to temperatures beyond its recommended range can lead to degradation and potential safety issues.
Chemical Compatibility: While silicone tubing is resistant to many chemicals, it may not be compatible with all substances. Before using silicone tubing in contact with chemicals or fluids, it is important to verify its compatibility to ensure there will be no adverse reactions or degradation.
Mechanical Stress: Silicone tubing can withstand a certain amount of mechanical stress, but excessive stretching, bending, twisting, or compression can cause damage and compromise its safety. It is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding the maximum allowable stress and usage limits for the specific silicone tubing you are using.
Testing and Validation: Manufacturers often conduct testing to validate the performance and safety of silicone tubing under various conditions, including pressure, temperature, and chemical exposure.
Flexibility and Durability: The tubing should be flexible enough to be easily manipulated and durable enough to withstand repeated use without degradation or breakage.
Sterilisation Compatibility: Depending on its application, silicone tubing may need to withstand sterilisation processes such as autoclaving, gamma irradiation, or ethylene oxide treatment without compromising its properties.
Comparisons With Alternative Tubing Materials
Silicone rubber tubing is applied across numerous industries, and is especially valuable in medical and pharmaceutical applications, thanks to its flexibility, durability, and biocompatibility. However, several alternative materials exist, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages when compared to silicone. However, when choosing the right tubing material, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the application's demands and the precise properties of the material needed to meet the application requirements successfully. Have a look at some alternative options below:
Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE)
- TPE can be adjusted for different hardness levels and retains its shape well
- TPE tubing is cleanroom manufactured, fully lot traceable, and has very low extractable
- It meets various quality regulations, including ISO 10993-4 and -5, USP Class VI, and CFR Title 21 Section 177.2600
- TPE can be sterilised using gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, or autoclaving methods
- It is recyclable, which adds to its appeal from a sustainability perspective
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
- PVC is another common alternative, known for its chemical resistance and affordability.
- However, it may not have the same temperature tolerance as silicone and can have issues with gas permeability.
Polyurethane (PU)
- PU is recognised for its elasticity and abrasion resistance.
- It's often used in applications where durability and flexibility are required.
Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)
- EVA is known for its softness and flexibility.
- It's less durable than silicone but can be a good choice for certain low-stress applications.
When considering alternatives to a silicone tube, it's important to evaluate the specific requirements of the application, such as chemical compatibility, temperature range, and mechanical properties. Each material has its unique characteristics that may make it more suitable for certain conditions over others. For instance, if you need tubing that can withstand high temperatures, silicone might still be the best choice. On the other hand, if cost is a major factor and the application doesn't involve extreme conditions, TPE could be a viable option.
Silicone is a preferred material for a variety of applications. Contact us with your specifications today.
Common Concerns and Misconceptions of Silicone Tubing
When considering silicone rubber tubing for any application, it's important to do thorough research and consult with experts if necessary.
Durability
There is often scepticism about the durability of silicone tubing, particularly in challenging applications. While silicone tubing is generally durable and flexible, these characteristics can vary depending on the specific formulation used. Choosing the appropriate type of silicone tubing is critical to ensure it meets the specific requirements of your application.
Temperature Resistance
It's commonly misunderstood that silicone tubing universally resists all chemicals. While it demonstrates excellent resistance to numerous substances, it's crucial to verify compatibility with specific chemicals, as certain ones may lead to degradation over time.
Chemical Compatibility
Many believe silicone tubing is resistant to all chemicals, but while it withstands many substances well, it's crucial to verify compatibility with specific chemicals, as some may cause degradation over time.
"All Types of Silicone Are the Same"
In reality, there are multiple formulations of silicone tubing tailored for specific applications, highlighting the importance of selecting the appropriate type for achieving optimal performance.
Cost-Effectiveness
There's a misconception that silicone tubing is consistently the most expensive choice. While it may have a higher initial cost compared to certain alternatives, its durability and performance often lead to greater cost-effectiveness over time.
Maintenance
There's a common misconception that silicone tubing demands extensive maintenance. However, it requires minimal upkeep, though regular inspections are advisable to maintain integrity, particularly in crucial applications.
The Overall Benefits of Silicone Tubing
Silicone tubing plays a critical role across diverse industries, known for its exceptional qualities such as flexibility, durability, and resistance to extreme temperatures. While it is widely used in medical devices, food processing, and scientific laboratories due to its biocompatibility and safety, it's important to address common misconceptions about its performance and maintenance requirements.
Silicone rubber tubing, when chosen correctly and maintained properly, proves to be a reliable and cost-effective solution. By adhering to regulatory standards and understanding its specific applications and limitations, silicone tubing continues to be a preferred choice for ensuring safety, efficiency, and quality across various industrial and medical settings.
For further information or to explore our range of silicone tubing specifications tailored to your needs, please contact United Silicones today.
Quality Products For A Variety of Silicone Tubing Uses
At United Silicones, we produce a diverse array of silicone products tailored to meet the demands of numerous industries and applications. Our meticulous craftsmanship ensures our durable tubing products deliver exceptional reliability, flexibility, and performance. Whether you need custom silicone tubing for medical devices, food processing, laboratory equipment, or industrial use, our solutions consistently meet stringent quality standards to enhance your operations effectively. Silicone tubing can enhance your operations. Learn how by contacting us today.
