Storage
Storing Tygon® tubing is simple and presents no unusual problems. Whenever possible, it is desirable to store the tubing in a carton or box to eliminate or minimize its collecting dust. It is a good idea to dry store the tubing after cleaning, with ends open to permit thorough drying. If it is impossible to store Tygon® tubing in cartons, place it loosely coiled or straight on a clean, dry shelf, free from contact with painted surfaces, rubber, oils, and greases. In any case, avoid kinking by not hanging the tubing over a nail or sharp edge.
Cleaning
Generally, cleaning Tygon® tubing is as simple as flushing the bore with soap and water, followed by a clear water rinse. Its low surface tension facilitates complete drainage. In addition, Tygon® tubing will withstand virtually all commercial cleaning agents and bactericides without danger of corrosion (as with metals) or oxidation (as with rubber). When using these preparations, do not increase the temperature or the concentration of the solution beyond that recommended by the manufacturer. If the tubing shows excessive swelling during cleaning, reduce pressure and temperature. Contact with paint, rubber, oils, greases, hand creams, perspiration, or prolonged exposure to strong sunlight will also affect clarity. Strong sanitizing agents, such as those containing iodine or bromine, also tend to cause staining. However, these are surface discolorations and in no way affect the performance of the tubing. After exposure to moisture, slight cloudiness will be noted. This is a surface film of moisture, and clarity will return shortly if the tubing is allowed to dry and air thoroughly.
Sterilization
Listed below are commonly used sterilization and tubing compatibility methods. It is required that the user conduct tests using the conditions of the application before specifying a particular tubing formulation.
| Sterlization Methods |
| Tubing Formulation | Autoclaving (1) | Gas(2) | Radiation(3) |
| Tygon® B-44-3 | Yes | Yes | No |
| Tygon® B-44-4X | Yes | Yes | No |
| Tygon® B-44-4X I.B. | No | Yes | No |
| Tygon® Silver | No | Yes | No |
| Noprene® A-60-F | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Noprene® A-60-F I.B. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tygoprene® XL-60 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PharMed® BPT Tubing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tygon® R-3603 | Yes | Yes | No |
| Tygon® R-3603 Vacuum | Yes | Yes | No |
| Tygon® R-1000 | No | Yes | No |
| Tygon® LFL | Yes | Yes | No |
| Versilic® SPX-50 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Versilic® SPX-70 I.B. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tygon® 3350 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tygon® 3370 I.B. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tygon® S-50-HL | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tygon® S-54-HL | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tygon® 2275 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tygon® 2275 I.B. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tygon® 2075 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tygon® 2001 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tygothane® C-210-A | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. |
| Tygothane® C-544-A I.B. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. |
| Norprene® A-60-G | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. |
| Tygon® F-4040-A | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. |
| Tygon® R-3400 | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. |
| Fluran® F-55000-A | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. |
| Tygon® SE-200 | No | Yes | No |
| Chemfluor® FEP | Yes | Yes | No |
| Chemfluor® PFA | Yes | Yes | No |
| Chemfluor® PTFE | Yes | Yes | No |
(1) Steam 30 minutes at 15 PSI (250° F [121° C])
(2) Ethylene oxide
(3) Radiation up to 2.5 MRad.
Title: Storage, Cleaning, & Sterilization Procedures for Tygon® Tubing
Description: Chart for Sterilizing Methods
Published: 8/28/2008
Last Edited: 1/19/2023
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