Tygon R-3603 Tubing Uses

Tygon R-3603 is clear tubing that is used in laboratories to transfer both gases and liquids. This type of tubing was manufactured to meet the Food and Drug Administration and Code of Federal Regulations criteria of part 175.3000. Tygon manufactures Tygon R-3603 Vacuum Tubing and Tygon R-3603 Laboratory Tubing. These two types of tubing have slightly different specifications that are specific to their intended uses.

Laboratory Tubing

• Tygon R3606 Tubing was developed for laboratory use and is used in both the medical industry and food industry. Most commonly, this type of tubing is used to make peristaltic pumps, instrumentation connections, drains and vents and for other general laboratory uses. This tubing comes in a variety of sizes and features an interior wall that is as smooth as glass and resistant to cracks. These features make it possible for the transmission of chemicals, foods and other substances without absorption of those liquids into the tubing itself. This tubing can be used to connect two parts because it is both flexible and resistant to abrasion. It is a common choice in laboratories because it lasts twice as long as other types of tubing and does not show signs of age.

Vacuum Tubing

• Tygon R-3603 is also available as vacuum tubing. This type of tubing is suitable for peristaltic pumps, vacuum pumps, condensers, incubators and desiccators. This product is commonly chosen for these uses because it features extra-heavy walls that are designed to hold up to full vacuum. When used, this tubing should be kept at room temperature. Vacuum tubing is ideal for vacuums transmitting liquids and gasses because the tubing is resistant to chemicals and doesn't swell in the event that oil backs into the tubing. Because it is clear, Tygon R-2606 can be used for vacuums when the user needs to ensure that there is no blockage in the line. This product is available in a variety of sizes, making it suitable for all types of vacuums. It can even stand up to corrosive atmospheres.

Cleaning Between Uses

• This tubing can be used time and again for a variety of uses. Fortunately, Tygon R-3603 tubing can be sterilized, but it may shrink between 2 percent and 4 percent the first time it is sterilized. To sterilize this product, coil the product in surgical muslin and autoclaving. The product can then be sterilized at 15 psi of steam for a period of 30 minutes. A second sterilizing method is by gas with ethylene oxide. This will not damage the tubing because the tubing is chemical resistant. Sterilizing this product makes it possible to use the same length of tubing to pass different substances and for a variety of uses. This is especially beneficial in laboratories where many different liquids or chemicals are being used.