ABSTRACT
Choice of connectors for tubing and piping used in fluid handling systems will greatly impact: whether the system can be cleaned free of particles created during assembly; whether the system will serve as an active site for biofilm growth and entrapment; and whether the system can be cleaned if a particle burst should occur during use. Using a technique which measures change in the conductivity of deionized water leaving connector assemblies which have been exposed to acid, three tubing connector designs and two piping connector designs are compared regarding: relative ease of cleanup; design features of the connectors which affect entrapment potential; and effect of vibration during final clean-up in removing entrapped residue. The two general designs for joining piping are: butt-fused polyvinylidene fluoride or perfluoroalkoxy piping. In applications where removal of all possible residue and the reduction of particle accumulation is essential, tubing should be joined by flare-type connectors, and piping should be joined by butt-fused welds.
