Laboratory tubing: how can liquid and gas transfer be made reliable?

Often overlooked yet strategic, the laboratory tubing connects sources, pumps and instruments to deliver reliable, clean and reproducible fluid transfer. Whether routing an aggressive solvent, feeding a bioreactor, draining HPLC effluent or maintaining a stable vacuum line, the choice of material, diameter and resistance (chemical, thermal, pressure/vacuum) dictates performance. Silicone, PTFE/PFA, PVC, PU, TPE for peristaltic pumps, EPDM or FKM… each formulation serves a specific need: biocompatibility, autoclavability, low permeability, antistatic properties and extended service life.

What are the different types of laboratory tubing, and how do you choose the right type?

Depending on the fluid, temperature and mechanical stress, one family of tubing is preferable to another.
• Silicone: very flexible, autoclavable, biocompatible. Ideal for life sciences. Watch out for gas permeability and hydrocarbon solvents.
• Fluoropolymers (PTFE, PFA, FEP): maximum chemical inertness, wide -200 to + 260 °C range, low adhesion. Stiffer; perfect for strong solvents and acids.
• PVC (lab grade, phthalate-free): economical, transparent, good flexibility. Moderate temperature, medium chemical compatibility.
• Polyurethane (PU): tough, abrasion-resistant, good for air and technical fluids, tight bend radius.
• TPE for peristaltic pumps: controlled elasticity, low spallation, USP Class VI / ISO 10993 versions, sterile options.
• Elastomers EPDM / FKM (Viton): EPDM for steam/oxidising water; FKM excellent with oils and non-polar solvents, high temperature.
• Reinforced (textile braid or steel wire): handles pressure or vacuum without kinking.
• Antistatic: dissipates charges for transferring flammable solvents.

Key selection criteria: chemical compatibility, ID/OD (inner/outer diameter) and wall thickness, temperature range, allowable pressure/vacuum, permeability (O2/CO2), transparency for visual inspection, certifications (USP, FDA, EU 10/2011), sterilisation methods (autoclave, gamma, CIP/SIP) and service life in a peristaltic pump.

Type	Principle/Material	Applications
Silicone	Soft elastomer, autoclavable	Bioprocessing, aseptic transfers, heat-sensitive media
PTFE / PFA / FEP	Inert fluoropolymers	Acids/solvents, high temperature, low adsorption
PVC (lab)	Flexible, transparent vinyl	Water, buffers, temporary circuits
Peristaltic TPE	Medical-grade elastomer	Peristaltic pumps, low particle shedding
PU	Durable polyurethane	Air, technical fluids, instrumentation
Reinforced/antistatic	Braid/dissipative filler	Pressure/vacuum, flammable solvents

Good practice: for a peristaltic pump, choose a dedicated formulation (appropriate Shore hardness) and the correct ID for the target flow; for aggressive solvents, prefer PTFE/PFA or FKM; in bioprocessing, opt for certified single-use TPE.

In which sectors and applications is laboratory tubing used?

• Life sciences/bioprocessing: aseptic media transfers, bioreactor feeding, sterile sampling, recirculation in incubators.
• Pharmaceutical: CIP/SIP lines, filling, sterile filtration, single-use certified to USP Class VI / EU 10/2011.
• Chemistry/analytical: transfer of solvents and acids, HPLC/GC waste collection, inerting and gas lines.
• Environment: sample pumping, portable peristaltic pumps, water treatment loops.
• Agro/cosmetics: ingredient transfer, dosing, food-grade lines (phthalate-free, traceability).
• Quality control/R&D: instrument connections, vacuum and pressure, thermostatic baths and cryostats.

Available types of laboratory tubing

Tubing

Frequently asked questions about laboratory tubing

How do I choose the right tubing material for my solvent or buffer?
Refer to a chemical compatibility chart and cross-check it with the operating temperature, pressure and intended sterilisation method (autoclave, gamma, CIP).

What inner diameter should I select to reach a target flow rate?
The flow rate depends on ID, viscosity and length. In peristaltic setups, the ID governs flow per revolution; watch for pressure drops in long or tightly bent lines.

Is silicone tubing suitable for organic solvents?
Silicone is poorly resistant to aromatic/aliphatic hydrocarbons. Prefer PTFE/PFA or FKM for these solvents, and antistatic versions if they are flammable.

How can I prevent a vacuum line from collapsing?
Use thick-walled or reinforced tubing (steel spiral). Minimise tight bend radii and check the allowable vacuum rating of the chosen hose.

Can I sterilise all tubing in an autoclave?
No. Silicone and many TPEs tolerate autoclaving; PTFE/PFA do as well. Standard PVC performs poorly. Always verify the compatible sterilisation method.