Food and beverage processing and manufacturing requires non-toxic, flexible tubing to transport liquids, sauces, and syrups throughout processing plants and packaging lines. As an inert material with several performance advantages, food-grade silicone is the preferred material for these applications. Not only is it resistant to most chemicals, bacterial adhesion, and extreme temperatures, it also meets all relevant regulatory standards, such as FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 for rubber articles that come into contact with food.
Food-grade silicone tubing is manufactured from silicon, carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen, and is a high-purity, flexible material without harmful additives like BPA or BPS. This makes it a safe, durable, and effective solution for dairy production, water purification, brewing, and many other manufacturing processes.
Key Features and Benefits of Silicone Tubing
Made from non-reactive, food-grade silicone, tubing products are designed to solve specific challenges in food and beverage manufacturing. For example, it has a non-stick, hydrophobic surface that prevents food or chemical absorption and naturally resists microbial growth. In applications that require sterilization resistance, durability, and safety, silicone tubing provides a reliable solution. Some of its most notable features include:
- Chemical resistance. Food-grade silicone is chemically inert and resistant to the chemicals and acidic compounds found in ingredients and food processing environments, including common cleaning agents.
- Flexibility and durability. Silicone tubing is slow to degrade and maintains its elasticity and shape for a long period of time. It also resists kinks, wear, and aging better than other types of plastic for an extended service life.
- Hygienic properties. Food-grade silicone is ultra-smooth and resistant to biofilm formation and bacterial adhesion. This helps to maintain a safe and hygienic environment.
- Non-reactive and safe. Food-grade silicone is odorless, tasteless, and non-toxic. Since it is free from harmful plasticizers like BPA and BPS, it does not leach harmful chemicals or react with food products.
- Temperature and sterilization resistance. Food-grade silicone tubing is compatible with operating conditions between -80 °F (-60 °C) and 450 °F (230 °C). This means it can withstand high-temperature processes and steam cleaning. Due to its high-temperature resistance, it can be sterilized using autoclaving, gamma rays, or ETO techniques.
Food-Grade Certification
NSF-51 standards outline the specifications for materials that will come into contact with food or drinking water, like silicone tubing and gaskets. For food and beverage manufacturers, sourcing NSF-51 certified materials is essential to ensure full compliance with food safety regulations. Vanguard Products is an NDF-51 certified manufacturer and offers products that meet public health sanitation requirements.
Our food-grade silicone tubing is safe for direct contact with food and beverages and does not contain harmful substances. In addition to food-grade tubing, we also manufacture gaskets and seals according to global food safety regulations.
Common Applications
NSF-51-certified silicone tubing is used throughout many phases of food and beverage manufacturing, including high-temperature and high-pressure applications. Some of the most common uses include:
- Beverage production. Silicone tubing is ideal for transferring liquids throughout processing plants.
- Food processing. Available in standard and custom sizes, silicone tubing accommodates a diverse variety of food products, transferring them safely and completely where needed.
- High-temperature processes. Since silicone can withstand temperatures up to 450 °F, it is often used in high-heat manufacturing processes or applications that undergo steam sterilization procedures.
- Low-temperature operations. With a minimum operation temperature of -80 °F, food-grade silicone is often used to transport refrigerated foods, like dairy products.
- Water purification. Due to its safe, non-toxic chemical composition, silicone tubing is a preferred option for water purification applications.
Food-Grade Silicone Tubing From Vanguard Products
Food-grade silicone tubing is suitable for an extensive range of food and beverage manufacturing applications. At Vanguard Products, we manufacture customizable solutions for even the most challenging process needs. Our team has been a trusted source of FDA-compliant silicone food processing components since 1966. We are ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 10993 certified and source only specially selected raw materials to ensure high-quality products.
Visit our homepage to learn more about our product offerings, or contact us with any questions. We always offer hands-on assistance to help you find the right solution for your needs. Our engineers provide convenient video consultations to help you quickly solve any challenge. Request a consultation today to get started on your next solution.