Tubing and fittings are part of a piping network in a Pharma facility that delivers the essential fluids at the point of requirement. The special thing about pharma tubing is that since the fluid they deliver comes in direct contact with the product, it must be approved according to the process and regulatory requirements to prevent creating complexities in the product. This contrasts with other industries, where no specific product requirement is considered – only the process-related specifications and guidelines are implemented.
In simple words, tubing and fittings are part of the piping network that runs throughout the pharma facility. It helps in supplying different fluids through various sections, processes, areas, and equipment.
What are tubing and fittings?
Tubing is the hollow structure that provides an enclosed path for fluids to flow. Unlike pipe, tubing is not threaded at its end and requires a metallic structure called fitting to couple with another tube, instrument, equipment, or any metallic structure.
Their length varies and depends on their manufacturing process and condition. Their different sizes are joined to form a piping network across the pharma facility at every critical requirement.
Applications
Pharma tubing and fittings are widely used in pharma facilities and become an integral part of Pharma process equipment. Some of them can be described below.
Utility supply
Tubing and fittings supply utility fluids for many applications and processes. The main reason for using Pharma grade tubing is that fluid often comes in product contact during processing, and to prevent contamination and impurities in a pharma product through tubing, pharma-grade versions are used.
Like other industries, utilities are delivered at high pressure for various process-related reasons. For this reason, tubing and fittings must be able to bear the high pressure associated with these fluids. They must be strong enough to prevent rupture, explosion, and leak in tubing due to high pressures.
Some of the utilities supplied are described below.
Steam
Steam is an everyday utility used in the Pharma industry in direct and indirect product contact applications.
For applications where steam comes in direct contact with the product, it is supplied in pharma-grade tubing and fittings that help to provide product-grade purity levels. For other non-product applications, steam is supplied in non-pharma grade piping.
Compressed air
It is a pressurized air that functions a specific machine part or component inside it. In some processes, compressed air comes in direct contact with the product. This application uses Pharma-grade tubing and fittings to deliver compressed air. These tubing and fitting run across the pharma facility and drop at the desired distribution point.
Product Supply
Pharma tubing and fittings are also used to supply products at the target location because their material of construction poses no or little threat to the product, such as due to
· It does not react with the product (chemical)
· Tubing and fittings are resistant to rust and material degradation
· They are also unaffected by high temperatures associated with different products
· They are highly resistant to various aggressive environmental conditions such as dust, different gases, and moisture
The product is contained or stored in a Pharma facility in a centralized location. From there, it is distributed to the target point of operation, such as filling machines and manufacturing vessels, through these tubing and fittings.
Instrument connection
Tubing and fittings are also used to connect various instruments and gauges for pharma process monitoring becaus...
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