Sanitary tubing is a foundational element in fluid transport for industries that demand the highest levels of cleanliness, such as food and beverage, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and cosmetics manufacturing. Often working hand-in-hand with sanitary fittings, sanitary tubing provides the pathway for liquids and gases to move through processing systems without compromising hygiene, product purity, or compliance. In this blog, we explore what makes tubing “sanitary,” where it’s used, and how to choose the right tubing for your application.
What Is Sanitary Tubing?
Sanitary tubing refers to stainless steel or polymer-based tubing designed for use in systems that require strict cleanliness and sterilization. It differs from conventional tubing through its material composition, surface finish, and fabrication standards. Stainless steel sanitary tubing, most commonly 304 or 316L, is the industry standard due to its corrosion resistance, strength, and ability to maintain a smooth, non-porous interior surface. For certain applications, plastic tubing such as PTFE, TPE, or silicone may be used when chemical compatibility or flexibility is required.
Applications and Importance
Sanitary tubing is essential for transporting everything from dairy products and beer to vaccines and injectable drugs. In all of these applications, even microscopic residues or surface imperfections can harbor bacteria or compromise product integrity. Therefore, tubing used in sanitary applications must be easy to clean and resistant to both chemical degradation and microbial growth. The tubing often undergoes cleaning-in-place (CIP) or sterilization-in-place (SIP) procedures multiple times daily, demanding robust construction and consistent quality.
Key Design and Performance Criteria
Several factors define sanitary tubing. Surface finish is critical—most applications require an internal roughness average (Ra) of 20 microinches or smoother to prevent product build-up and microbial adhesion. Dimensional accuracy ensures compatibility with fittings and system components, while wall thickness must withstand internal pressures and cleaning processes. Welded and seamless tubing are both used, but seamless tubing is often preferred for the most critical applications due to its superior surface integrity and lower risk of contamination.
Standards and Compliance
Sanitary tubing must meet rigorous industry and regulatory standards. In the U.S., ASTM A270 governs stainless steel sanitary tubing specifications. For biopharmaceutical applications, ASME BPE provides detailed guidelines on dimensions, materials, and surface finish. Tubing may also be certified to 3-A Sanitary Standards or comply with FDA regulations for food contact. Globally, EHEDG offers recommendations for equipment and tubing used in hygienic design.
Selecting the Right Tubing
Choosing the right sanitary tubing depends on various process requirements. Factors such as fluid type, operating pressure and temperature, cleaning method, and chemical compatibility all influence the selection. In addition to mechanical and chemical properties, manufacturers may also provide electropolished options or tubing with heat number traceability for enhanced quality assurance. Proper tube selection ensures long-term system integrity, minimizes risk, and simplifies maintenance.
Conclusion: Tubing That Protects Your Process
While it may appear simple, sanitary tubing is a critical component in protecting product quality and maintaining hygienic standards in high-purity applications. A well-designed fluid system starts with tubing that meets both performance and regulatory demands. Whether you’re upgrading an existing line or specifying a new process system, understanding the role of sanitary tubing helps ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance from end to end.
