Food Grade Silicone Tubing – Flexible Vacuum Hose Pipe, ID 0.5mm–38mm, Blue

Measure the outer diameter (OD) of the fitting or barb the tube will slip over — that measurement should match the tube's inner diameter (ID). For example, a 6mm barb fitting typically needs a tube with a 6mm ID. Wall thickness determines how snugly the tube grips; thicker walls generally provide a more secure seal.

All sizes are listed as ID × OD in millimeters. To convert: 1 inch ≈ 25.4mm, so a 1/4" barb ≈ 6.35mm ID. Choose the closest available ID size — silicone stretches slightly, so a tube that's 0.5mm under the barb OD will typically seal well.

Food grade silicone tubing generally withstands temperatures from approximately -60°C (-76°F) to +200°C (+392°F). This makes it suitable for both cold-side refrigeration lines and hot-liquid transfer applications such as wort chilling in homebrewing or steam condensate lines. Always verify the specific operating conditions for your application before use at temperature extremes.

Yes. This tubing is made from food grade silicone, which is typically non-toxic, odor-free, and tasteless. It is commonly used in homebrewing, winemaking, dairy processing, and other food-contact fluid transfer applications. If your application requires specific certifications (FDA, LFGB, EU 10/2011, etc.), please contact us to confirm before ordering.

Silicone generally offers good UV and ozone resistance compared to natural rubber or PVC alternatives, making it a reasonable choice for outdoor or semi-exposed installations such as engine bay vacuum lines or garden irrigation systems. However, prolonged direct UV exposure over many years may cause gradual surface degradation. For permanent outdoor runs, consider protecting the tubing with a UV-resistant sleeve or conduit.

Pressure ratings vary by wall thickness and tube diameter. Thinner-walled, larger-diameter tubes typically handle lower pressures. For small-diameter vacuum tubing (e.g., 2mm ID × 4mm OD), working pressure is generally in the range of 0.3–0.8 MPa under typical conditions. For precise pressure requirements in industrial or safety-critical applications, please contact us with your application details so we can confirm suitability.

A sharp utility knife or scissors works well for clean cuts on silicone tubing. For very small diameters (under 3mm ID), a razor blade or hobby knife gives the cleanest edge. Avoid sawing motions — a single straight cut minimizes deformation of the tube end and ensures a better seal against barb fittings. Cutting at a slight angle can make it easier to start the tube onto a barb.

Yes. The tubing is designed to slip over standard barb fittings where the barb OD matches the tube ID. Hose clamps can be used for additional security on larger diameters (typically 6mm ID and above). For very small sizes (under 3mm ID), friction fit over a matching barb is typically sufficient for low-pressure and vacuum applications. Silicone's natural tackiness helps maintain a seal without clamps in many cases.