一. The material properties of food-grade silicone tubing
The major material used to make food grade silicone tubes is high-purity silicone. The key benefits of this material are that it can withstand high and low temperatures, is non-toxic, is soft, and doesn't age. The molecular chain of silicone is made up of silicon-oxygen bonds (Si-O). These bonds have a very robust chemical structure that makes it hard to break down or burn at high temperatures.
Food grade silicone tubing is very flexible, can bend without breaking, and can even mend itself to some extent. Because of this, it is great for moving liquids when you need to bend it. Also, silicone tubing is quite stable in chemicals and can handle mild acids, weak bases, and most food additives.
二. Food-grade silicone tubing can handle high temperatures.
Food-grade silicone tubing can usually handle temperatures between -60 and 230 degrees Celsius. Some special formula silicone can handle short bursts of heat above 250 degrees Celsius. Silicone gel can tolerate high temperature steam sterilization or hot water circulation transportation without harm since its molecular structure is stable.
But the thickness of the tubing wall, the additives, and the way it is made can all affect how well food grade silicone tubing can handle high temperatures. For instance, thick-walled silicone tubing is better at high temperatures than thin-walled tubing, which is more likely to soften when heated. Cheap additives can make pipes less resistant to heat,
三. Food-grade silicone tubing might change shape when it gets too hot.
Food grade silicone tubing can handle high temperatures, but it can still change shape if it gets too hot or is used at high temperatures for a long time. Specifically showed up as:
Softening or growing
When the temperature becomes close to or above the silicone tube's top tolerance limit, the molecular chains may relax, and the tube body may expand or soften in certain areas, especially for thin-walled tubes and lengthy sections of tube.
Bending or falling apart
If there is pressure in the liquid or gas inside the pipe and the temperature is high, the pipe wall may not be able to hold as much weight, which could cause it to bend or break.
Deformation that lasts forever
Long-term exposure to high temperatures, even if the temperature reduces, can make it impossible for the pipe to return to its previous shape, which can lead to permanent deformation or worse performance.
四. Things that cause high-temperature deformation
1.The highest temperature
If the temperature goes above the top limit by a few degrees, the material can soften in a short amount of time. Long-term use at high temperatures is more likely to cause deformation.
2.stress of use
When there is a lot of pressure inside the pipe from a liquid or gas, high temperatures will make the pipe wall less able to hold up, which can cause it to break or expand.
3.Thickness and construction of the pipe wall
pipelines with thick walls or reinforced ribs are better at withstanding high temperatures than pipelines with thin walls or flexible walls.
五. Practical application of food grade silicone tubing at high temperatures
Food grade silicone tubing is utilized a lot in places like food processing, moving drinks, medication infusion, and high-temperature disinfection. Experience in real life reveals that:Hot water delivery: It can usually be used safely between 80 and 100 degrees Celsius, and it can handle 120 degrees Celsius for a brief time.
Disinfection and sterilization: Thick-walled silicone tubing can handle high-temperature steam sterilization from 120 to 130 degrees Celsius. Thin-walled tubing should have a shorter high-temperature duration.
六. Suggestions for avoiding high-temperature deformation during use
1.Keep a close eye on the temperature
Follow the temperature range given in the product documentation and don't go beyond the pipe material's top temperature tolerance limit.
2.Pick the right thickness and diameter for the pipe.
When it's hot outside, choose thick-walled or high-temperature silicone tubing to make it more stable in heat.
3.Reduce the time spent in high temperatures
To keep from using it for a long time at high temperatures, you can utilize short-term cleaning procedures or move it around every so often.
