Inside the Clean Industry’s Most Underrated MVP

In industries where cleanliness, precision, and contamination control are non-negotiable, high-purity piping systems play a mission-critical role. From semiconductors to pharmaceuticals and biotech, these systems ensure that media—whether it’s ultrapure water, acids, or solvents—remain uncontaminated and stable from source to destination.

But not all piping systems are created equal. In high-purity environments, material selection, fabrication processes, and system design must meet rigorous standards.

What Are High-Purity Piping Systems?

High-purity piping systems are specially designed networks that transport ultra-clean or reactive fluids without altering their properties or introducing contaminants. These systems are typically used in:

• Semiconductor manufacturing (ultrapure water, acids, slurries)

• Pharmaceuticals & biotech (WFI, RO/DI water, buffer solutions)

• Food & beverage (CIP/SIP systems, filtered liquids)

• Laboratory & cleanroom environments

  
  

These systems are constructed from thermoplastic materials with smooth internal surfaces, excellent chemical resistance, and zero-leach characteristics.

Why Thermoplastics for High Purity?

Unlike metals, thermoplastic piping systems (such as PVDF, PP-N, PFA, and ECTFE) do not corrode or leach ions. This makes them ideal for high-purity fluid transfer.

Benefits of Thermoplastic Materials

• Non-corrosive Nature: Prevents contamination of sensitive media.

• Lightweight: Easier to handle and install than metals.

• Flexibility: Easier design integration into complex piping layouts.

  
  

Material	Application Areas	Key Strengths
PVDF (Polyvinylidene fluoride)	Semiconductors, Pharma	High purity, low leachables, smooth surface
PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy alkane)	Semiconductor wet process	Ultra-high purity, high chemical & thermal resistance
PP-N (Natural Polypropylene)	RO/DI water, cleanrooms	Economical, clean welds, good for low TOC
ECTFE	Aggressive high-purity media	High barrier properties, FDA compliant

Ultrapure Water (UPW) Generation Process

Evoqua UPW System

Ultrapure water (UPW) is essential for the semiconductor, solar, and pharmaceutical industries. The multi-stage UPW generation process includes various steps to ensure the purity of water. This is crucial because any impurities in water can compromise the quality and safety of end products.

Stages of UPW Generation

Stage	Process Description	Preferred Thermoplastic	Why?
1. Pre-Treatment	Media filtration, activated carbon	PP-H, PVDF	Chemical resistance, clean welds
2. RO (Reverse Osmosis)	Removes >95% of dissolved ions	PVDF, PP-N	Low leachables, weldable
3. EDI (Electrodeionization)	Polishing conductivity to <0.1 µS/cm	PVDF, ECTFE	Ion purity, electrochemical stability
4. UV Oxidation	TOC destruction (185 nm UV)	PVDF, PFA	UV resistant, high purity
5. UF (Ultrafiltration)	Removes particles & endotoxins	PVDF	High filter integrity
6. Loop Distribution	Continuous recirculation to points of use	PVDF, PP-N, PFA	Smooth ID, clean welds, low TOC

Key Properties of High-Purity Thermoplastics

High-purity thermoplastics exhibit several key properties that make them suitable for the transportation of ultra-clean fluids:

• Ultra-Smooth Internal Surface: Reduces particle adherence, biofilm growth, and flow resistance.

• Low Extractables / Leachables: Ensures that no ions, plasticizers, or stabilizers contaminate media.

• High Chemical Resistance: Tolerates aggressive acids, solvents, and oxidizers used in etching, cleaning, or formulation.

• Thermal Stability: Withstands sterilization cycles (CIP/SIP) or elevated process temperatures.

• Weld Integrity: Fusion welding techniques ensure zero dead-leg, seamless joints—critical for avoiding contamination pockets.

  
  

Key Installation Practices for High-Purity Systems

Building a high-purity system isn’t just about the material; it’s also about how it’s installed. Poor handling can destroy the very purity you're aiming to protect.

Best Practices:

• Cleanroom Welding (IR or BCF): Minimizes particle generation and ensures repeatable, clean welds.

• Pre-Cleaned Piping & Fittings: Supplied double-bagged and particle-tested.

• Validated Fusion Equipment: Especially for orbital IR welding.

• No Threaded Joints: All connections are fusion-welded or hygienic.

• Proper Support & Anchoring: Thermoplastics expand with heat—supports prevent sagging and misalignment.

  
  

Where Are High-Purity Piping Systems Used?

1. Semiconductor & Microelectronics

• Ultrapure water (UPW)

• Acid/slurry distribution (HF, H2SO4, HCl)

• Cleanroom gas lines

• Etching and photoresist fluid handling

• Preferred materials: PVDF, PFA




2. Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

• Water for injection (WFI), Purified Water (PW), RO/DI

• Buffer solutions, CIP/SIP lines

• Preferred materials: PP-N, PVDF, ECTFE




3. Food & Beverage

• Hygienic liquid transfer

• Ultra-clean water systems

• Preferred materials: PP, PVDF (FDA compliant)

Design Standards & Guidelines

To ensure compliance, most high-purity systems are designed under international and process-specific standards:

• SEMI F57: High-purity piping components for UPW.

• DIN EN ISO 15877 / 15494: Thermoplastic piping design standards.

• DVS 2207: Welding protocols for plastics.

• FDA / USP Class VI: For pharma-grade systems.

  
  

Many piping manufacturers also provide third-party validation for leachables, extractables, and particle count per SEMI guidelines.

Expert Tip

Always choose materials and components from suppliers who certify particle count, leachables, and weldability. Even a “clean” plastic may not be clean enough for semiconductor or pharma applications unless tested and validated.

🔗 Ready to Build a High-Purity System?