How to Choose Tubing for Peristaltic Pumps: A Technical Guide

by novalab

How to Choose Tubing for Peristaltic Pumps Right from the Start

Knowing how to choose tubing for peristaltic pumps directly impacts precision, equipment lifespan, and the risk of cross-contamination in production. Since tubing is the only component in direct contact with the fluid, selecting the wrong material can lead to premature wear, leaks, or chemical incompatibility.
how to choose tubing

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Tubing

  • Fluid type: Corrosive chemicals, biological solutions, and food products each require different tubing materials.
  • Operating pressure and temperature: Certain materials like C-Flex® and silicone withstand lower pressures compared to Norprene® or Pharmed® BPT.
  • Hygiene and compliance requirements: The pharmaceutical industry requires USP Class VI and FDA 21 CFR compliance, while the food industry requires food-grade certifications.
  • Expected lifespan: Norprene and Pharmed BPT generally offer better durability than Tygon® or Viton® under identical operating conditions.

Tips to Extend Tubing Lifespan During Operation

Choose thick-walled tubing to withstand higher occlusion cycles, lower system pressure whenever possible, and avoid sharp bends near the pump head. Running new tubing at maximum speed for a few minutes before official operation helps “break in” the material.

Which Tubing Suits Your Application?

For cell culture applications, silicone or Pharmed BPT should be prioritized due to their high biocompatibility. For corrosive chemicals, Norprene or Viton are more suitable choices. If your tubing frequently experiences cracking or failure, refer to our guide on common peristaltic pump troubleshooting to identify the root cause.

According to Avantor’s analysis on Masterflex® tubing life, Norprene and Pharmed BPT offer the longest operating life, whereas Viton typically has the shortest under equivalent conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should peristaltic pump tubing be replaced?

It depends on the material and operating conditions, but you should inspect it regularly and replace it immediately at the first sign of cracking, swelling, or a flow rate drop exceeding 10–15%.

Can I use a single tubing type for all applications?

It is not recommended. Each fluid type and compliance standard requires a specific tubing material to ensure safety and optimal performance.

The NOVALAB technical team is ready to provide free consultation to help you choose the right Masterflex tubing on your very first order.

Need a GMP-Compliant Peristaltic Pump Solution for Your Facility?

Learning how to choose tubing is only the first step. To ensure your entire filling and fluid transfer system complies strictly with GMP/FDA standards, you need an integrated solution covering pumps, accessories, and operational workflows.

The NOVALAB technical team is always available for free consultations, helping you select the exact tubing material and optimal Masterflex® pump configuration right from your first order.

Explore Masterflex® GMP Peristaltic Pump Solutions at NOVALAB