Sanitary stainless steel tubes significantly impacts product quality, equipment longevity, and production output. Choosing the right type of tubing can optimize costs, boost productivity, and maintain food safety. This article delves into different sanitary stainless steel tube types, their technical specifications, and specific applications, empowering you to make informed decisions for your project.
Sanitary Stainless Steel Tubes: A Comprehensive Overview
Definition
Sanitary stainless steel tube (also known as food-grade stainless steel tubing) is manufactured from stainless steel. The special feature of this pipe is its high surface finish, both inside and outside, which helps prevent dirt, bacteria and impurities from adhesion, ensuring high hygiene.
Unlike regular stainless steel tubing that is only polished on the outer surface, sanitary stainless steel tube undergoes polishing on both the inner and outer surfaces. Typically, sanitary stainless steel tube has a surface finish of over 180 grit, while super-polished tubing can exceed 320 grit.
Why is it called a Sanitary Stainless Steel Tube?
It is called a sanitary stainless steel tube due to the following characteristics:
- Extremely smooth surface: The surface is polished to a high degree of smoothness, creating a slick film without any defects such as scratches or pits. This minimizes the adhesion of impurities, bacteria, or mold to the inner surface of the tube, ensuring high hygiene.
- Corrosion resistance: With chemical components such as chromium, nickel, and molybdenum, this type of tube can withstand the effects of chemicals such as acids, bases, and salts without being altered over time.
- High durability: Sanitary stainless steel tubes have high hardness, good load-bearing capacity, and can withstand temperatures up to ~900°C. This allows them to operate efficiently for a long time without deformation, resulting in a long lifespan and saving maintenance and replacement costs.
- Safe and non-reactive: Stainless steel is a highly safe material because it does not react with most chemical components, does not release toxic substances or gases into the environment, ensuring product safety and being environmentally friendly.
- Diverse sizes: Sanitary stainless steel tubes are manufactured and designed in various sizes, suitable for use in a wide range of industries and fields, making them highly applicable.
- Easy to clean: Thanks to the smooth surface, cleaning and maintenance become easy, requiring little time and effort.
Comparison of Sanitary Stainless Steel Tubes
To help customers better differentiate between the various types of microbiological stainless steel tubes on the market based on different criteria, Hoa Giang will provide a summary table comparing the different types of tubes.
Comparison between Welded and Seamless Stainless Steel Tubes
Based on the manufacturing process, microbiological tubes can be divided into two types: welded and seamless stainless steel tubes. These two types of tubes have the following differences:
| Comparison point |
Stainless steel sanitary welded tubes |
Stainless steel sanitary seamless tubes |
| Manufacturing method | Welded from stainless steel plates together. | Cast from solid stainless steel. |
| Raw surface | There are welds that need to be treated and polished to achieve standard gloss. | Thanks to being cast in one piece, the surface has no welds. |
| Uniformity | The uniformity of welded tubes will not be as good as that of seamless tubes, however the error will be negligible. | High uniformity because it is cast in one piece, the tube wall is also evenly thick. |
| Pressure resistance | Welded stainless steel pipes have a lower pressure capacity than seamless pipes because they have lower welds and wall thickness than seamless pipes. | Better pressure resistance, no leakage because there are no welds. |
| Corrosion resistance | Good, but care must be taken to thoroughly treat the welds. | Very good, better corrosion resistance than welded pipe because of uniform surface. |
| Bending ability | Difficult to bend at weld points. | Good bending ability, can be used as small machine parts. |
| Resizable | Can be easily resized according to design. | Manufactured according to a certain blank so the size cannot be changed according to the design. |
| Price | Stainless steel seamless pipes are more expensive than stainless steel welded pipes because the production process is complicated and the input materials are more expensive, so they have higher durability and more applications. | |
| About 72.000 – 120.000 VND/kg | About 120.000 – 160.000 VND/kg | |
Overall, seamless stainless steel tubes for sanitary applications offer superior advantages and long-term benefits compared to welded tubes, hence the higher cost. The choice between the two types depends on the specific requirements of each industry and application. If customers are seeking high-quality products with excellent durability and the ability to withstand high pressure, seamless tubes are the ideal choice. Conversely, if cost-effectiveness is a priority and the quality requirements are less stringent, welded tubes can be a viable alternative.
Comparison of 304 and 316 Stainless Steel Tubes (304L and 316L)
Based on the material composition, sanitary stainless steel tubes can be categorized into two main types: 304 and 316 stainless steel. Additionally, there are variations of these grades with lower carbon content, known as 304L and 316L. A detailed comparison of these grades is provided below.
Comparison of 304 and 316 Stainless Steel Tubes
To provide a comprehensive overview of these two types of hygienic tubes, Hoa Giang has prepared a comparison table for your reference.
| Comparison point |
SUS 304 Tube |
SUS 316 Tube |
| Chemical composition |
|
|
| Corrosion resistance | Thanks to the Chromium and Nickel content, it is resistant to corrosion from many acids and bases. | Better than 304 stainless steel pipe, thanks to the Molybdenum component, it can resist corrosion from chloride. |
| Maximum working temperature | Stable operation at temperatures up to 900°C. | Higher than 304, stable operation at temperatures up to 925°C. |
| Mechanical strength | Good, high hardness from 70 HRB to 90 HRB. | Better than 304, hardness between 75 HRB to 95 HRB |
| Bending ability | Better than 316, easy to bend, create small details. | More difficult to bend than 304, requires high heat and is mainly used to make large parts. |
| Weldability | Good weldability due to high Chromium and Nickel content. | Better weldability than 304, thanks to Molybdenum the weld is more heat resistant. |
| Price | Stainless steel pipe 316 has a higher price than stainless steel pipe 304 because of the additional Molybdenum content in the composition, more complicated production process and more outstanding features. | |
| 90.000 – 120.000 VND/kg | 118.000 – 128.000 VND/kg | |
So, which type of stainless steel pipe should you choose between 304 and 316? The optimal choice depends on various factors such as the intended use, budget, and industry-specific requirements. For applications in less harsh environments, such as food processing equipment, chemical processing, and construction, 304 stainless steel pipes can be a cost-effective option. However, if you need to withstand more corrosive conditions, like in pharmaceutical manufacturing, seawater treatment, or heavy chemical industries, 316 stainless steel is the recommended choice for enhanced durability and safety.
Comparison of 304L and 316L Stainless Steel Tubes
Essentially, the characteristics of 304L stainless steel tubes are similar to those of 304 stainless steel, and likewise, 316L is similar to 316. The primary distinction lies in their chemical composition: both 304L and 316L have lower carbon content compared to their standard counterparts. This lower carbon content enhances weldability and prevents cold cracking at low temperatures. Consequently, 304L and 316L tubes tend to be more expensive than 304 and 316, respectively. However, due to the reduced carbon content, their hardness is slightly lower.
So, which is better, 304L or 316L? The optimal choice depends on the specific working environment and the customer’s budget. For applications in normal conditions that require welding and exposure to heat, 304L stainless steel is often sufficient. However, for more demanding environments involving frequent contact with acids, alkalis, and salts, 316L stainless steel is recommended.
Benefits of Sanitary Stainless Steel Tubes
Sanitary stainless steel tubes, with their smooth surface and high antibacterial ability, have become indispensable materials in many industries. Thanks to their outstanding properties such as corrosion resistance, good heat resistance and easy cleaning, they are widely used in the fields of production, food processing, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and many other industries.
Food production and processing
- Sanitary stainless steel tubes are used to transport liquid foods, powders, and other ingredients during the production process. The smooth surface helps prevent bacterial adhesion, ensuring food hygiene and safety.
- Equipment such as mixers, stirrers, and tanks made from stainless steel help ensure product quality and comply with food hygiene and safety standards.
- Milk and dairy product production: Sanitary tubes are used to transport milk from tanks to processing equipment, ensuring hygiene and not changing the quality of milk.
- Used in refrigeration systems, preserving frozen foods thanks to their non-cold brittle properties.
Medical – Pharmaceutical Industry
- Making pipes in the production system of drugs and pharmaceutical ingredients. The corrosion resistance of stainless steel helps protect product quality and ensure safety for users.
- Used in equipment that directly produces drugs, pharmaceuticals – cosmetics, ensuring sterility and hygiene.
- Stainless steel microbiological pipes with antibacterial properties are used to produce medical equipment such as: operating tables, surgical instruments, patient trolleys.
Chemical Industry
- Used for pipes to transport various corrosive chemicals, acidic or alkaline solutions, or even salts. Inox’s high corrosion resistance protects equipment and ensures the safety of the operating system.
- Applied in the production of fertilizers, agricultural chemicals, etc.
- Used in water filtration equipment, RO water purifiers, thanks to its corrosion resistance and non-reactivity with chemicals.
Other Industries
- Construction: Stainless steel micro-pipes are used in water supply and drainage systems, railings, staircases, and kitchen construction due to their high hygiene standards.
- Agriculture: Used in advanced agricultural and livestock farming systems as conduits.
- Electronics: Used in the production of electronic devices and machine casings.
- Shipbuilding: Used for fuel, seawater, and ventilation systems on ships.
- Energy: Plays a crucial role in the transportation of gasoline, oil, and natural gas.
Sanitary Stainless Steel Tubes Standards
To ensure quality and safety in production, micro-pipes must adhere to strict technical standards. Some common Stainless Steel Micro-pipe Standards are:
DIN Standard (11850)
This is one of the most common standards, specifying the dimensions, thickness, surface finish, and other technical requirements of stainless steel micro-pipes as defined by the German Institute for Standardization. It plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality, safety, and reliability of products, especially in the stainless steel micro-pipe industry. Adherence to DIN standards ensures products meet the stringent requirements of industries such as food and pharmaceuticals, where high levels of cleanliness are required.
3A Standard
Widely used in the food industry, this standard ensures the safety and hygiene of equipment and systems used in the production, processing, and handling of food and beverages. It sets out requirements for design, fabrication, installation, and operation to prevent contamination, ensure product quality, and inspect equipment that comes into contact with food.
SMS (Sani-Matic Standard)
The SMS standard is a detailed set of technical regulations designed specifically for equipment and systems used in aseptic production environments, particularly in the food, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries.
BS 4825 Standard
This is a detailed set of technical regulations from the UK, specifically designed for piping systems and fittings used in the food, pharmaceutical, and other industries requiring high levels of hygiene. This standard provides requirements for design, manufacture, installation, and inspection to ensure that these products meet stringent hygiene requirements, prevent contamination, and protect product quality.
ISO Standard
Set by the International Organization for Standardization, ISO standards play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and safety of stainless steel micro-pipes, especially in industries requiring high levels of hygiene such as food and pharmaceuticals. These ISO standards specify in detail the dimensions, materials, surface finish, tolerances, and other technical requirements to ensure that stainless steel micro-pipes meet strict hygiene and safety standards.
ASME BPE Standard (BioProcessing Equipment)
This is a set of technical regulations issued by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) to ensure the quality and reliability of equipment used in bioprocessing. The ASME BPE standard ensures that equipment, including stainless steel pipes, achieves the highest level of hygiene, prevents cross-contamination, and ensures product quality.
OD: Diameter (mm)
A: Length (mm)
Hoa Giang International Standard Sanitary Stainless Steel Tubes
At Hoa Giang, we manufacture sanitary stainless steel tubes that meet European standards. Our advanced production lines and meticulous research ensure the highest quality. DIN and SMS standard sanitary tubes are readily available with complete CO/CQ certificates. For other standards, custom orders can be placed to ensure product quality and design compatibility.
With years of experience in providing and installing complete solutions, Hoa Giang is proud to be a leading company in optimizing our customers’ production processes. Our commitment to customer satisfaction has earned us the trust of renowned partners such as Hanoi Beer, Saigon Beer, Vinamilk, Hau Giang Pharmaceutical, and Masan. Our dedicated consultants are ready to assist you in making the best decisions.