PVC Tubing
PVC Tubing is a flexible or semi-rigid hollow cylindrical product made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin, often plasticized to enhance flexibility. It is widely used across industrial, commercial, medical, and domestic sectors due to its excellent chemical resistance, clarity, flexibility, and durability. PVC tubing is available in various grades (clear, food-grade, medical-grade, reinforced) and diameters, making it highly adaptable for fluid transport, insulation, and protective applications.
Primary Uses
Fluid Transport (Industrial & Domestic)
Used for transporting water, chemicals, air, and other fluids in low-pressure applications.
Widely applied in irrigation systems, aquariums, fountains, and laboratory setups.
Employed in beverage dispensing systems and home brewing.
Medical & Pharmaceutical Applications
Utilized in IV lines, oxygen tubing, catheter lines, and other fluid transfer systems.
Selected for its non-toxic, medical-grade composition and sterilizability.
Offers flexibility and transparency for safe patient monitoring and fluid control.
Food & Beverage Processing
Used in transferring liquids in food production environments (milk, juice, syrup).
Complies with FDA and food-grade standards when applicable.
Resistant to oils and mild acids found in food systems.
Electrical Insulation & Cable Management
Acts as insulation sleeving for wires and electrical components.
Used to bundle and protect wiring in consumer electronics and control panels.
Pneumatics and Low-Pressure Systems
Applied in low-pressure pneumatic lines and air flow control systems in machinery.
Suitable for applications requiring flexibility and kink resistance.
Secondary Uses
Construction & Building Maintenance
Used in plumbing and drainage systems in temporary installations or for venting.
Serves as protective sleeves for exposed rebar or metal conduits.
Automotive & Machinery
Employed in windshield washer systems, fuel lines (non-critical), and vacuum lines.
Used for conveying coolant or lubricants in non-pressurized systems.
Aquaculture & Fish Farming
Supports aeration systems and water circulation systems in tanks and ponds.
Flexible tubing allows easy routing of oxygen and water supplies.
Gardening & Hydroponics
Used in drip irrigation systems and nutrient circulation systems for plants.
Clear tubing allows visual flow monitoring.
HVAC & Refrigeration
Applied in condensate drainage lines and low-pressure transfer lines.
Resistant to moisture and mold, maintaining performance over time.
Laboratory & Research Applications
Used in analytical systems for gas or liquid sampling and fluid delivery.
Selected for chemical compatibility and dimensional stability.
Basic Identification Attributes
Chemical Name (IUPAC): Poly(chloroethene), plasticized (if flexible)
Common/Trade Name: PVC Tubing
CAS Number: 9002-86-2
HS Code: 3917.21.00
Synonyms: Vinyl tubing; Flexible PVC hose; Clear PVC pipe
Physical & Chemical Properties
Physical State: Solid tubing (rigid or flexible)
Color & Odor: Clear or colored; slight vinyl odor (plasticized versions)
Density: ~1.25 – 1.45 g/cm³
Hardness: Varies (measured in Shore A or D, depending on flexibility)
Solubility: Insoluble in water; resistant to many acids and bases
Temperature Range: Typically −15°C to +60°C (varies by formulation)
Safety & Hazard Attributes
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous in solid form
Toxicity: Low under normal use; heating may release harmful vapors
Exposure Limits: Ensure adequate ventilation during cutting or heat-forming
Storage & Handling Attributes
Storage Conditions: Store in a clean, dry area away from direct sunlight and heat sources
Container Type: Coiled rolls, boxed lengths, or spools
Shelf Life: 3–5 years depending on storage conditions and formulation
Handling Precautions: Avoid sharp bends or kinks; prevent exposure to UV light for extended periods
Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
Can meet FDA, USP Class VI, and EU food-contact standards depending on grade
Complies with REACH, RoHS, and other relevant safety and environmental regulations
Medical and food-grade variants produced in ISO 13485 or GMP-certified facilities
Environmental & Health Impact
Biodegradability: Not biodegradable
Ecotoxicity: Low in solid form; ensure proper disposal
Bioaccumulation: Not expected
PPE Required: Gloves, goggles, and long sleeves when cutting or forming
Handling Guidelines: Avoid excessive flexing at low temperatures; handle gently to avoid micro-cracking
Storage Measures: Keep containers tightly closed and stored in a dry environment
First Aid Measures
Inhalation (from thermal degradation): Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water if irritation occurs
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water for 15 minutes if dust or particles enter eyes
Ingestion: Not intended for ingestion; seek medical advice if swallowed
Firefighting Measures
Fire Hazards: Combustible at high temperatures; releases toxic fumes
Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, COâ‚‚, dry powder, or foam
Special Precautions: Use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Hazardous Combustion Products: Hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide