Rubber Tubing, Viton

Quick Answer: The Rubber Tubing, Viton is Viton rubber tubing made from FKM fluoroelastomer, a synthetic rubber chosen where ordinary rubber tubing would swell or perish, for example in lines carrying oils, fuels, many acids and aromatic or chlorinated solvents, often at raised temperatures.

Where Fluoroelastomer Tubing Earns Its Place

Viton is a trade name for FKM, a family of fluorinated rubbers. Compared with natural rubber, neoprene or silicone, FKM generally resists a much wider range of hydrocarbons, oils and mineral acids, and it keeps its properties at temperatures of around 200 °C in continuous service. It also has low gas permeability, which suits vacuum lines connected to oil-sealed pumps.

FKM is not universal. It is generally attacked by ketones such as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone, by low-molecular-weight esters, by amines and ammonia, and by hot concentrated alkalis. Before running a line, look up the specific chemical and temperature in a compatibility chart rather than assuming that ‘chemically resistant’ covers everything. Nitrile rubber tubing is an alternative for oils at lower temperatures, and neoprene rubber tubing covers moderate chemical duty.

The material is stiffer and less stretchy than natural rubber and is usually black and opaque, so it is fitted onto barbed connectors rather than delicate glass, and flow cannot be watched through the wall.

Specifications

Applications

• Transfer and drain lines for oils and hydrocarbon solvents in petroleum and analytical labs.
• Vacuum connections to oil-sealed rotary pumps, where low permeability helps.
• Feeding acidic solutions at raised temperature through pumps or gravity lines.
• Replacing tubing that has swollen or split in contact with aggressive chemicals.

Care & Handling

• Check chemical compatibility for every new liquid; swelling or softening means the material is being attacked.
• Use barbed fittings with hose clamps rather than forcing the stiff tube onto glassware.
• Flush lines with a compatible solvent before storing, and cap the ends.
• Label FKM lines so they are not swapped with cheaper tubing of similar colour.

Why Choose LabEquip

Petroleum testing, analytical and industrial training labs buy FKM tubing where other elastomers fail. LabEquip lists Viton rubber tubing in General Lab Products beside the nitrile and neoprene grades; describe your chemicals and temperatures through the contact page to settle the right choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Viton tubing made of?

Viton is a trade name for FKM, a fluoroelastomer, which is a synthetic rubber containing fluorine. The fluorine gives it high chemical and heat resistance compared with ordinary rubbers.

Can Viton tubing be used with acetone?

Generally no. Ketones such as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone attack FKM and make it swell. For acetone, look up a compatibility chart to find a suitable alternative material.

How hot can Viton tubing get?

FKM elastomers are generally rated for continuous service up to around 200 °C, depending on grade. Fittings and clamps must also be rated for the temperature.

Is Viton better than silicone tubing?

For oils, fuels and many solvents, yes, because silicone swells in them. Silicone is softer and clearer and is often preferred for water, biological media and peristaltic pumps.

Why is Viton tubing stiffer than natural rubber tubing?

Fluoroelastomers are naturally firmer and less elastic than natural rubber. This helps the tube hold its shape but means it should be fitted on barbed connectors with clamps.

How do I know if the tubing is being attacked by a chemical?

Signs include swelling, softening, stickiness, cracking or discolouring of the liquid. Replace affected tubing and choose a more suitable material.

Last Updated: September 2026