Masterflex Tubing Selection Guide: Complete Comparison
Selecting the optimal tubing for your Masterflex peristaltic pump system is crucial for achieving reliable performance, extended service life, and chemical compatibility. This comprehensive guide compares all major Masterflex tubing formulations including PharMed BPT, Tygon A-60 series, Norprene, C-Flex, and specialty materials, providing detailed selection criteria and application recommendations.
Safety Precautions
⚠️ CHEMICAL COMPATIBILITY SAFETY
Always verify chemical compatibility between tubing material and process fluids before operation. Use manufacturer compatibility databases and conduct small-scale testing for critical applications. Incompatible combinations can result in tubing failure, contamination, or safety hazards. Wear appropriate PPE when handling chemicals and follow all OSHA guidelines for chemical safety in laboratory and industrial settings.
Tubing Selection Framework
Primary Selection Criteria
- Chemical Compatibility: Most critical factor
- Operating Temperature: Continuous and peak temperature requirements
- Pressure Requirements: System pressure and pressure pulsations
- Biocompatibility: USP Class VI, FDA, or other certifications required
- Service Life: Expected operating hours and replacement frequency
- Fluid Characteristics: Viscosity, abrasiveness, particle content
- Purity Requirements: Extractables, leachables, and contamination sensitivity
- Cost Considerations: Initial cost vs. total cost of ownership
Secondary Considerations
- Clarity Requirements: Transparent vs. opaque applications
- Sterilization Method: Autoclave, gamma, EtO compatibility
- Regulatory Compliance: Industry-specific certifications
- Environmental Factors: UV exposure, ozone resistance
- Maintenance Schedule: Replacement frequency and procedures
Comprehensive Tubing Comparison
PharMed BPT (Biocompatible Pump Tubing)
Material Composition: Proprietary thermoplastic elastomer Primary Applications: Pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical fluid handling
Key Specifications:
- Biocompatibility: USP Class VI compliant
- Temperature Range: -75°F to 275°F (-60°C to 135°C)
- Pressure Rating: Varies by size, high-pressure variants available
- Sterilization: Autoclave, gamma irradiation, EtO compatible
- Service Life: Superior in chemically compatible applications
Performance Characteristics:
- Chemical Resistance: Excellent for pharmaceuticals and biologics
- Flexibility: Maintains flexibility at low temperatures
- Recovery: Quick recovery from compression, ideal for viscous fluids
- Extractables: Low extractables profile for sensitive applications
- Particle Generation: Minimal spallation
Recommended Applications:
- Cell culture media delivery
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Bioprocessing and fermentation
- Sterile solution transfer
- High-purity water systems
- Parenteral drug manufacturing
Tygon A-60-F (Food Grade)
Material Composition: Plasticized PVC formulation Primary Applications: Food, beverage, laboratory general use
Technical Specifications:
- Certifications: FDA, 3A Sanitary, NSF-51
- Temperature Range: -75°F to 275°F (-60°C to 135°C)
- Pressure Rating: 19 PSI (1.37 bar)
- Durometer: 61 Shore A
- Sterilization: Autoclave up to 5 cycles
- Color: Cream for easy fluid visibility
Size Examples:
- I/P 26 (Catalog 0640226): 1/4" ID × 1/2" OD, 50 feet
- I/P 88 (Catalog 0640288): Larger bore for higher flows
Performance Features:
- Flexural Fatigue: Excellent resistance to repeated bending
- Kink Resistance: Maintains flow under stress
- Chemical Resistance: Acid/alkali resistant, compatible with sanitizers
- Clarity: Translucent for visual flow monitoring
- Cost: Economical choice for general applications
Recommended Applications:
- Food and beverage processing
- Laboratory fluid transfer
- General chemical handling (compatible chemicals only)
- Educational and training applications
- Prototype and development work
Limitations:
- NOT for medical or surgical use
- Limited high-temperature continuous operation
- Plasticizer migration in some solvents
Tygon A-60-G (Chemical Dispensing)
Material Composition: Advanced PVC compound with enhanced additives Primary Applications: Industrial cleaning, chemical dispensing, harsh environments
Technical Specifications:
- Temperature Range: -75°F to 275°F (-60°C to 135°C)
- Pressure Rating: 19 PSI (1.3 bar)
- Durometer: 61 Shore A
- Color: Black (for chemical identification and UV protection)
- Bend Radius: 1/2 inch (for L/S 16 size)
Size Example:
- L/S 16 (Catalog 0640416): 1/8" ID × 1/4" OD, 50 feet, $50.40
Advanced Properties:
- UV Resistance: Superior resistance to UV degradation
- Ozone Resistance: Excellent resistance to ozone exposure
- Heat Resistance: Enhanced high-temperature performance
- Chemical Resistance: Outstanding acid and base resistance
- Heat Sealability: Can be heat-sealed for custom configurations
Recommended Applications:
- Industrial cleaning systems
- Chemical dispensing and dosing
- Outdoor applications with UV exposure
- High-temperature chemical handling
- Acid/base titration systems
- Environmental monitoring equipment
Advantages:
- Exceptional environmental resistance
- Long service life in harsh conditions
- Cost-effective for industrial applications
- Wide chemical compatibility range
Norprene Tubing
Material Composition: Thermoplastic elastomer with enhanced durability Primary Applications: High-pressure systems, extended-life applications
Performance Superiority:
- Service Life: Best tubing life in chemically compatible applications
- Pressure Handling: Optimal performance in pressure applications
- Life Extension: 20-30% increased life with high-performance precision variants
- Viscous Fluid Handling: Firm material provides quick recovery and accuracy
Available Configurations:
- Standard Norprene: General-purpose applications
- High-Pressure Norprene: Enhanced pressure capability
- Precision Norprene: Tighter dimensional tolerances
Size Examples:
- L/S 16 (Catalog 0640416): Standard precision size
- L/S 15HP (Catalog 0650415): High-pressure rated, 25 feet
Technical Advantages:
- Compression Recovery: Excellent elastic recovery prevents permanent set
- Dimensional Stability: Maintains consistent internal diameter
- Chemical Compatibility: Broad compatibility with laboratory chemicals
- Temperature Stability: Consistent performance across temperature range
Recommended Applications:
- High-pressure pumping systems
- Long-duration continuous operation
- Viscous fluid applications
- Critical process applications where reliability is paramount
- Systems with frequent pressure cycling
C-Flex Tubing Family
Material Base: Thermoplastic elastomer combining rubber flexibility with plastic durability
C-Flex ADCF (Standard)
Certifications: USP Class VI, manufactured under GMP Key Characteristics:
- Tensile Strength: High tensile and tear strength
- Gas Permeability: Low permeability for sensitive applications
- Surface Quality: Smooth inner surface minimizes contamination
- Clarity: Transparent for visual monitoring
Size Range:
- Small Bore: 1/8" ID × 1/4" OD (Catalog 0643250), 50 feet
- Medium Bore: 3/8" ID × 9/16" OD (Catalog 0643258), 50 feet
C-Flex ULTRA
Enhanced Properties:
- Low Spallation: Reduced particle generation
- Residue Reduction: Minimal buildup in pump heads
- Biocompatibility: Enhanced biological compatibility
- Clarity: Translucent for flow observation
Available Sizes: L/S 16, L/S 18 Catalog Numbers: 0643416, 0643418
C-Flex Opaque White
Special Features:
- Light Blocking: Protects light-sensitive fluids
- Size: 1/8" ID × 3/16" OD (Catalog 0642464), 25 feet
- Applications: Photosensitive chemicals, biological samples
General C-Flex Advantages:
- Chemical Resistance: Comparable to Tygon in most applications
- Durability: Combines best properties of rubber and plastic
- Contamination Resistance: Smooth surface reduces bacterial adhesion
- Versatility: Suitable for wide range of applications
BioPharm Platinum-Cured Silicone
Material Technology: Platinum-cured silicone for enhanced purity Primary Applications: High-purity, pharmaceutical, biotechnology
Technical Specifications:
- Biocompatibility: USP Class VI compliant
- Certifications: USP Class VI, 3A sanitary standards
- Curing Method: Platinum-cured (vs. peroxide-cured)
- Temperature Range: -100°F to 400°F (-73°C to 204°C)
- Surface: Ultra-smooth inner surface
Available Sizes: L/S Series: L/S 13, 14, 16, 24 (25 feet each) Catalog Numbers: 9642013, 9642014, 9642016, 9642024 I/P Series: I/P 73, 82 (25 feet each) Catalog Numbers: 9642073, 9642082
Premium Performance:
- Service Life: BioPharm Plus lasts up to 5× longer than standard platinum-cured
- Purity: Enhanced purity with reduced leaching
- Sterilization: Compatible with all sterilization methods
- Compression Set: Low compression set maintains sealing
Recommended Applications:
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing (API and finished products)
- Biotechnology processes
- Cell culture and fermentation
- Sterile solution transfer
- Food processing (dairy, beverages)
- High-purity water systems
GORE STA-PURE PCS-Series (Specialty)
Material Technology: Advanced fluoropolymer construction Target Application: Ultra-long-life I/P series applications
Exceptional Service Life:
- At 200 RPM: Over 1000 hours
- At 100 RPM: Over 6000 hours
- Benefits: Eliminates frequent tubing rotation, saves maintenance time
Technical Features:
- Spallation: Minimal particle generation
- Flow Consistency: Maintains stable flow rates throughout life
- Pressure Capability: Designed for I/P series pressure requirements
Available Sizes:
- I/P 82: 1/2 inch ID (12.7 mm)
- I/P 88: Large bore for maximum flow
Catalog Numbers: 9621182, 9621189, 9624182
Cost-Benefit Analysis: While premium-priced, the extended service life often provides lower total cost of ownership in continuous-operation applications.
Tubing Comparison Table
| Material | Biocompatibility | Max Temp (°C) | Max Pressure | Service Life | Chemical Resistance | Cost Level | |----------|-----------------|---------------|--------------|--------------|--------------------|-----------| | PharMed BPT | USP Class VI | 135 | Variable | Excellent | Pharmaceutical | Premium | | Tygon A-60-F | FDA Food | 135 | 19 PSI | Good | General Lab | Economy | | Tygon A-60-G | Industrial | 135 | 19 PSI | Very Good | Acids/Bases | Economy | | Norprene | General | Variable | High | Excellent | Broad | Standard | | C-Flex ADCF | USP Class VI | 80 | Moderate | Good | General | Standard | | C-Flex ULTRA | Enhanced | 80 | Moderate | Very Good | Enhanced | Premium | | BioPharm Silicone | USP Class VI | 204 | Moderate | Superior | High Purity | Premium | | GORE STA-PURE | Industrial | High | High | Ultra-Long | Specialized | Ultra-Premium |
Chemical Compatibility Guidelines
Compatibility Testing Protocol
- Literature Review: Check manufacturer compatibility databases
- Small-Scale Testing: Conduct compatibility tests with actual fluids
- Temperature Testing: Test at maximum operating temperature
- Extended Exposure: Long-term compatibility verification
- Performance Monitoring: Track any changes in properties
Common Compatibility Issues
Aggressive Chemicals:
- Strong Oxidizers: May attack organic tubing materials
- Aromatic Solvents: Can cause swelling in some formulations
- Concentrated Acids: Require acid-resistant formulations
- High-Temperature Applications: May accelerate chemical attack
Biological Fluids:
- Protein Solutions: May require non-binding surfaces
- Cell Culture Media: Biocompatibility and low extractables critical
- Blood Products: USP Class VI certification typically required
Application-Specific Recommendations
Laboratory Applications
General Purpose: Tygon A-60-F
- Cost-effective for non-critical applications
- Good chemical resistance for common lab chemicals
- Easy to replace and maintain
High-Precision Dispensing: BioPharm Plus Silicone
- Excellent dimensional stability
- Low compression set maintains accuracy
- Ultra-smooth surface for consistent flow
Biological Applications: PharMed BPT
- USP Class VI biocompatibility
- Low extractables for cell culture
- Sterilization compatibility
Industrial Applications
Chemical Processing: Tygon A-60-G or Norprene
- Enhanced chemical resistance
- Long service life reduces maintenance
- Cost-effective for continuous operation
High-Pressure Systems: Norprene High-Pressure
- Excellent pressure handling capability
- Extended service life
- Reliable performance under stress
Continuous Operation: GORE STA-PURE
- Ultra-long service life
- Minimal maintenance requirements
- Consistent performance over time
Pharmaceutical Applications
API Manufacturing: PharMed BPT or BioPharm Plus
- Regulatory compliance (USP Class VI)
- Low extractables profile
- Validated sterilization methods
Sterile Processing: BioPharm Plus Silicone
- Steam sterilization compatible
- Ultra-smooth interior surface
- Minimal biofilm formation potential
Selection Decision Tree
Step 1: Regulatory Requirements
- USP Class VI Required? → PharMed BPT, C-Flex ADCF, or BioPharm
- FDA Food Contact? → Tygon A-60-F or BioPharm
- No Special Requirements → Any compatible material
Step 2: Chemical Compatibility
- Pharmaceutical/Biological → PharMed BPT or BioPharm
- General Laboratory → Tygon A-60-F or C-Flex
- Industrial Chemicals → Tygon A-60-G or Norprene
- Aggressive Chemicals → Specialized materials or compatibility testing
Step 3: Performance Requirements
- Maximum Service Life → GORE STA-PURE or Norprene
- High Pressure → Norprene HP or specialized formulations
- Ultra-High Purity → BioPharm Plus Silicone
- Cost Optimization → Tygon A-60-F
Step 4: Operating Conditions
- High Temperature → BioPharm Silicone
- UV Exposure → Tygon A-60-G or GORE materials
- Continuous Operation → Norprene or GORE STA-PURE
- Intermittent Use → Any compatible material
Cost Analysis and Total Cost of Ownership
Initial Cost Comparison
Economy Tier: Tygon A-60-F, Tygon A-60-G
- Lower initial cost
- Suitable for non-critical applications
- More frequent replacement may be needed
Standard Tier: Norprene, C-Flex ADCF
- Balanced cost and performance
- Good for most laboratory applications
- Reasonable service life
Premium Tier: PharMed BPT, C-Flex ULTRA, BioPharm Plus
- Higher initial cost
- Superior performance characteristics
- Often lower total cost of ownership
Ultra-Premium Tier: GORE STA-PURE
- Highest initial cost
- Exceptional service life
- Lowest maintenance costs for continuous operation
Total Cost of Ownership Factors
- Tubing Cost: Initial purchase price
- Service Life: Hours of operation before replacement
- Labor Cost: Replacement time and technician rates
- Downtime Cost: Production loss during replacement
- Inventory Cost: Spare tubing storage and management
- Quality Cost: Impact of failures on product quality
ROI Calculation Example
Standard Application:
- Tygon A-60-F: $50, 500-hour life = $0.10/hour
- Norprene: $75, 1000-hour life = $0.075/hour
- Labor + downtime savings with longer-life tubing often justify premium
Troubleshooting Tubing Selection Issues
Common Problems and Solutions
Short Tubing Life:
- Check chemical compatibility
- Verify pressure ratings
- Consider premium formulations
- Review operating conditions
Flow Rate Inconsistencies:
- Evaluate tubing size selection
- Check for chemical swelling
- Consider dimensional stability of material
- Verify proper installation
Contamination Issues:
- Upgrade to higher-purity materials
- Check extractables data
- Consider surface smoothness
- Evaluate cleaning/sterilization methods
High Replacement Costs:
- Analyze total cost of ownership
- Consider longer-life premium materials
- Optimize replacement schedules
- Implement preventive maintenance
External References
- Cole-Parmer Chemical Compatibility Database - Comprehensive compatibility information
- USP Class VI Testing Standards - Biocompatibility testing requirements
- Masterflex Technical Support - Professional assistance for material selection
⚠️ Legal Disclaimer: This guide provides general guidance for tubing selection based on manufacturer specifications and industry best practices. Always verify chemical compatibility through manufacturer resources and conduct application-specific testing. Material selection should be validated for each specific application considering all operating conditions and regulatory requirements.