Tubing miniguide: FEP, PTFE, or silicone?

The choice of tubing and industrial hose can be very important for your business, especially in food production and pharmaceuticals. Whether you are considering FEP, PTFE or silicone as a material, there are several factors to take into account when making your choice based on your specific production needs.  

But what do the material types FEP and PTFE actually stand for? And how do they differ from each other and from silicone? 

In this article, we break it all down for you and equip you to find the right tubing for your production needs and the optimisation of your operations. 

Grab your coffee and read on! 

FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene) is a high-performance fluoroplastic material that combines high chemical resistance with moderate flexibility and a focus on durability. It is transparent and has a smooth surface that contributes to low friction. Many choose FEP hoses when there is a need to transfer aggressive liquids and at the same time be able to perform visual inspection during operation – for example in laboratories or in food production. The material is also known for its high temperature tolerance up to 205°C and excellent insulation properties, especially against electricity.  

The low friction helps prevent particle accumulation and ensures a consistent flow. FEP is therefore also suitable for fixed CIP routines, as the smooth and non-porous surface can withstand cleaning chemicals without changing its property. 

PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), also known as Teflon, is the preferred material choice if you have absolute requirements for chemical resistance and temperature tolerance. Like FEP, PTFE also stands out for its moderate flexibility. With a maximum temperature of 260°C, PTFE is often used to transport the most demanding media such as strong acids, bases and solvents – both in the chemical industry and in pharmaceuticals. PTFE is notable for its unique non-stick property and very low friction. CIP processes can also be carried out with Teflon hoses, as the material is completely inert and can handle both high temperatures and powerful cleaning agents without risk of degradation. Our PTFE hoses are also FDA approved, so you can use them in food production. 

Silicone, a versatile polymer based on silicon, oxygen, carbon and hydrogen, offers great flexibility, malleability and is highly resistant to a range of chemicals. The material is known for its heat resistance and exceptional tolerance to both high and low temperatures. This makes silicone hoses the first choice for many breweries, dairies and pharmaceutical companies that require easy installation, gentle handling of foodstuffs and reliable hygiene. If transparent hoses are a requirement in your production, you can also find them among our silicone hoses. This is practical for both foodstuffs and processes where you want clear inspection of your media flow. 

How do you ensure that you are using the right tubing for your production? 

Choosing the right tubing can be difficult. But if you consider certain factors before purchasing for your production, you are well on your way: 

• Understand your needs: First and foremost, you need to understand your specific application requirements. What chemicals will the hose be exposed to? What temperatures must it be able to withstand? Do you need a transparent hose to be able to inspect its contents? The answers will narrow down your options.  
• Assess the properties of the material: As we have seen, FEP, PTFE and silicone each have their own unique properties. For example, if you need a high degree of chemical resistance and produce oil- or fatty products, then PTFE hose may be the best choice. If, on the other hand, you need exceptional flexibility, transparency and good temperature tolerance, then the silicone hose would be the obvious choice. 
• Consider the cost: Price can also be a deciding factor. While FEP and PTFE are more expensive than silicone, their durability and performance in demanding environments can make them a good long-term investment. 

For both FEP, PTFE and silicone hoses, thorough documentation is always available, enabling you to verify compatibility with specific fluid media and process conditions. Material certificates, test data and declarations of conformity document that the hoses meet current food safety requirements and international standards such as EU 1935/2004, FDA and 2023/2006/EC (GMP). By reviewing process data and media characteristics, you can find a solution where safety, durability and hygiene go hand in hand. You not only get a documented solution, but also a material selection that is precisely suited to the purpose.  

Still unsure which tubing is best suited to your production? 

We have in-depth knowledge of the decision-making process, as we experience it on an ongoing basis in connection with customer visits and other manufacturing companies that contact us. For more than 40 years, we have been helping manufacturing companies choose the optimal hose solution. Our competent sales team is always transparent and ready to help you, and as a stocking hose supplier in Northern Europe, we have various types of tubing in stock. Contact us now by phone at +45 7020 0422 or via inquiry@alfotech.eu.