The provided source material focuses on the technical specifications, manufacturing standards, and commercial availability of braided silicone tubing, primarily for industrial and laboratory applications. The information originates from manufacturer websites and product catalogues. It does not contain any details regarding free samples, promotional offers, no-cost trials, brand freebies, or mail-in sample programmes. Consequently, this article will provide a factual summary based exclusively on the technical and commercial data available in the source chunks, as the requested topic of free samples is not addressed in the provided materials.
Technical Specifications and Manufacturing Standards
Braided silicone tubing is a specialised product designed for applications requiring pressure resistance, temperature stability, and compliance with stringent regulatory standards. The source data highlights several key manufacturers, including Meissner, ProA Pure Tubing (Pro-Analytics), and Freshwater Systems (Silbrade). Each provides detailed specifications for their respective product lines.
Material Composition and Curing Processes
The tubing is manufactured from silicone elastomer. Two primary curing methods are mentioned: platinum-catalysed and peroxide-cured. Platinum-catalysed silicone is noted for its low extractables profile and is often used in biomedical contexts. For instance, Meissner’s M-Sil™ tubing is manufactured from a platinum-catalysed biomedical extrusion-grade silicone elastomer in a Class 7 cleanroom. This tubing is certified animal component free (ACF). Similarly, ProA Pure Tubing’s FlexRite™ SSD Braided Silicone Tubing is described as platinum-cured and Animal-Derived Component Free (ACDF). In contrast, the Silbrade tubing from Freshwater Systems is specified as peroxide-cured silicone with a mesh polyester braid.
The braid reinforcement is typically made from polyester or Nomex. This reinforcement allows the tubing to handle higher pressures compared to unreinforced silicone tubing. The working pressure varies by size and manufacturer. For example, ProA’s FlexRite™ SSD tubing has working pressures ranging from 105 psi to 175 psi depending on the inner diameter, while the Silbrade tubing is rated for 166 psi at 70°F.
Temperature Range and Sterilisation Capabilities
A significant advantage of braided silicone tubing is its wide operational temperature range. Meissner’s M-Sil™ tubing performs from -70 °C to 180 °C (-94 °F to 356 °F). ProA’s tubing range is from -100°F/-73°C to 395°F/201°C. Silbrade tubing operates between -80°F and 350°F. This makes the tubing suitable for both cryogenic and high-temperature processes.
The tubing is compatible with multiple sterilisation methods. Meissner’s tubing is sterilisable by gamma irradiation and autoclave processes. ProA’s tubing can be sterilised by autoclave, ethylene oxide, or gamma irradiation, and is also suitable for Clean-in-Place (CIP) and Sterilise-in-Place (SIP) processes. Silbrade tubing is noted as being made from FDA-sanctioned ingredients and is NSF 51 certified for food equipment materials, indicating suitability for food and beverage applications.
Regulatory Compliance and Industry Standards
Compliance with industry standards is a critical factor for selecting tubing in regulated sectors such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and food processing. The source data outlines several certifications held by these products.
- Meissner (M-Sil™): The tubing is manufactured in a Class 7 cleanroom and is certified ACF with a low extractables profile, making it suitable for critical biopharmaceutical operations, including Pre-Use Post Sterilization Integrity Testing (PUPSIT).
- ProA Pure Tubing (FlexRite™ SSD): This tubing is produced in an ISO 7 cleanroom and meets a comprehensive list of standards, including USP Class VI, FDA CFR 177.2600, ISO 10993, European Pharmacopoeia 3.1.9, and 3A standards. Full lot traceability is provided.
- Silbrade: This tubing is FDA-sanctioned and NSF 51 certified for food equipment materials, making it appropriate for food handling, beverage service, and chemical feeds.
Commercial Availability and Sourcing
The sources provide information on standard sizes, customisation options, and purchasing logistics. A clear distinction exists between products offered directly by manufacturers and those available through distributors.
Standard Sizes and Customisation
Manufacturers offer a range of standard sizes. Meissner provides standard tubing from 1/4″ ID to 1″ ID, with custom sizes available. ProA lists specific part numbers with inner diameters (ID) ranging from 1/8″ to 5/8″, corresponding outer diameters (OD), and working pressures. For example, part number SUSSD037 has a 3/8″ ID, 0.625″ OD, and a working pressure of 135 psi. The Silbrade tubing specified is 3/8″ ID x 0.655″ OD.
Custom tubing is available from both Meissner and ProA. ProA notes that custom and spooled longer lengths are available upon request. Standard roll lengths are typically 50 feet (ProA) or 100 feet (Silbrade), with shorter lengths like 1 foot also available for specific product listings.
Purchasing and Shipping Information
The source material includes some details on the purchasing process. ProA Pure Tubing’s product listing shows a price range from $781.00 through $3,592.50, indicating these are high-value, industrial-grade products. The currency is US dollars, which is relevant for international buyers.
Freshwater Systems, which lists the Silbrade tubing, provides shipping information. They state that shipping costs are based on order weight, location, and selected shipping option. They also note a policy for expedited orders (Next Day Air or 2 Day), which are dispatched the same business day if placed before 4:30 PM EST.
Applications and Use Cases
The technical specifications directly inform the applications for which this tubing is suitable. The combination of pressure resistance, temperature range, and compliance certifications makes it versatile for several sectors.
- Biopharmaceutical and Biotechnology: Meissner’s tubing is explicitly designed for critical biopharmaceutical manufacturing operations requiring pressure processing. ProA’s tubing is ideal for the biotech and pharmaceutical industries, meeting USP Class VI and ISO 10993 standards.
- Food and Beverage: Silbrade tubing is NSF 51 certified and made from FDA-sanctioned ingredients. It is listed for use in beverage service, bottle filling, food handling, and hot fill lines. ProA’s tubing is also noted as suitable for the food industry.
- Laboratory and Industrial Processes: Both Meissner and ProA tubing are suitable for laboratory applications. Silbrade tubing is listed for uses such as chemical feeds, deionized water treatment, resin feeds, and stirring.
- General Pressure Applications: The braided reinforcement allows these tubes to handle working pressures up to 175 psi (ProA) or 166 psi (Silbrade), making them suitable for any process requiring fluid transfer under pressure.
Limitations of the Provided Data
It is important to note the limitations of the source material. The data is purely technical and commercial, focusing on product specifications, manufacturing standards, and purchasing logistics. There is no mention of: * Free sample programmes or trial offers. * Promotional discounts or no-cost trials. * Mail-in sample initiatives. * Consumer-focused categories such as beauty, baby care, pet products, or household goods.
The products described are industrial or laboratory-grade items, not consumer goods. The pricing and purchasing information suggest they are sold in bulk or large quantities, which is inconsistent with typical free sample programmes aimed at individual consumers.
Conclusion
The provided source material offers detailed technical information on braided silicone tubing from three manufacturers: Meissner, ProA Pure Tubing, and Freshwater Systems (Silbrade). The tubing is characterised by its reinforced construction for pressure resistance, wide temperature tolerance, and compliance with industry standards such as USP Class VI, FDA, and NSF. It is manufactured in cleanroom environments and is suitable for sterile processes in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and food industries. Commercially, these products are available in standard and custom sizes, sold in rolls, and shipped with specific logistics policies. The data confirms that these are specialised industrial products, and no information regarding free samples, promotional offers, or consumer trial programmes is present in the source material.