This section provides an overview for sanitary piping as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 21 sanitary piping manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked sanitary piping companies as of November, 2024: 1.Stainless Tubular Products, Inc., 2.ASC Engineered Solutions, LLC, 3.Ameralloy Steel Corporation.
Table of Contents
Sanitary piping, primarily used in the food industry and pharmaceutical plants, is designed for environments where cleanliness and hygiene are paramount.
All sanitary piping is constructed from stainless steel, specifically grades such as SUS304 or SUS316. The key distinction between sanitary and ordinary piping lies in the surface treatment. Sanitary pipes typically have a buffed outer surface and at least a bright annealed (BA) inner surface, while higher-grade options feature an electropolished (EP) inner surface to minimize liquid accumulation.
In the food and pharmaceutical industries, where contamination from foreign matter or bacteria is unacceptable, sanitary piping is essential. Even minor liquid buildup in the food industry can lead to bacterial growth, potentially impacting the product and, in severe cases, causing significant public health concerns.
Similarly, in pharmaceutical manufacturing, any contamination by foreign substances or bacteria can have serious implications, given that these products are often used directly in the body.
Most sanitary piping is made from either SUS304 or SUS316 stainless steel. This material choice ensures rust resistance and chemical resistance to agents like hot water and caustic soda used in Clean-in-Place (CIP) processes. The BA and EP finishes on these pipes prevent tiny fluid accumulations, a common source of bacterial growth, thereby significantly enhancing product safety.
Unlike sanitary piping, ordinary SUS piping often retains fine scratches and is not suitable for use in the food or pharmaceutical industries. While high-quality sanitary piping would be ideal for all applications, it is considerably more expensive than ordinary piping. Additionally, its effectiveness is fully realized only when used with dedicated joints, necessitating specialized knowledge in design and installation.
Sanitary piping, referred to as TBS, is specified in JIS G 3447. Nominal diameters are expressed in inches, ranging from 1S (O.D.=25.4 mm) to 6.5S (O.D.=165.2 mm), with a uniform wall thickness for each size (e.g., t=1.2 for 1S and 1.5S). Available in lengths of 4m or 6m, these pipes come with various surface finishes like pickling, internal buffing and polishing, with an option for electrolytic polishing on the inside.
Sanitary piping is made from austenitic stainless steel like SUS304, SUS304L, SUS316, or SUS316L, selected for its excellent corrosion resistance. This is particularly crucial in applications where chlorine ion concentration is high, as in certain food and pharmaceutical industries.
Sanitary fittings include "ISO Ferrule union fittings," "ISO threaded union fittings," and "flange fittings. Typical fittings are ISO Ferrule union fittings, which include elbows of various sizes (45°/90°/88.5° for flow gradient), cheese, crosses, reducers for connecting odd-shaped sizes, ferrule caps for closing ferrule ends, welding ferrules for pipes and tanks respectively, and clamps for joining two ferrules. There are a variety of joints, including two-piece, three-piece, hand-tightened, and bolted joints.
ISO threaded union fittings and flange union fittings are also available in almost similar types, allowing various piping systems to be assembled.
Gaskets for sanitary fittings include L-type gaskets for ISO threaded unions, Hercule gaskets for ISO Herule unions, and L-type gaskets for flange unions. Material choices include silicone, EPDM, FKM, Teflon, and Teflon-coated with EPDM core, selected based on the application. These gaskets are designed to not protrude inside the piping, ensuring unobstructed flow and no liquid pooling.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Stainless Tubular Products, Inc. a division of O’Neal Industries is a supplier of stainless steel tubings, pipes, and fittings to the residential, commercial, and industrial piping systems established in and headquartered in Monroe Township, New Jersey. The company offers stainless steel tubings including stainless welded tubings, seamless tubing, sanitary tubing & fittings, and ornamental stainless round, square and rectangular tubings. The SS pipe fittings include butt weld, threaded pipe, nipple, and socket weld fittings as well as pipe flanges such as A.S.A, back-up, and M.S.S flanges. They also offer industrial steel processing services including cutting & deburring and polishing.
ASC Engineered Solutions is based in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. ASC serves the mechanical & plumbing systems, commercial & residential, mining, food & beverage, industrial, fire protection, oil & gas, energy & power, and water & wastewater industries as a procure and repair servicer. ASC is ISO 9001:2015 certified. A sample of ASC’s offerings include fire protection & fabrication products such as fabrication equipment and seismic bracing, flow control such as commercial& residential valves, performance products such as engineered pipe supports & snubbers, pipe joint systems such s grooved and high pressure fittings, as well as press products and support systems.
Murphy Company, founded in 1907 and headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, is a manufacturer of mechanical engineering products. The company specializes in the manufacture of various products, such as plumbing equipment, construction equipment, process automation products, and refrigeration equipment. The products are known for superior quality, durability, and sustainability. It provides a wide range of building materials that are not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective. These products find applications in construction, furniture manufacturing, automotive, plumbing, and various industrial projects. It also specializes in offering HVAC and plumbing solutions to institutional clients such as auditoriums, schools, hospitals, and gymnasiums.
WL Plastics is a major manufacturer of solid wall polyethylene pipe products in North America, offering both High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Medium Density Polyethylene pipe solutions. WL Plastics' HDPE pipes have wide water supply applications due to their chemical resistance properties, durability, and flexibility. The company's products are also used in Mining, Oil and Gas distribution as well as Power and Communications. WL Plastics is ISO 9001:2015 certified at all locations across the United States.
Millard Manufacturing was founded in 1971 and is based in Omaha, Nebraska. The company designs builds, and installs custom machinery, equipment, and parts, primarily for the food processing industry, to help customers achieve production yields, maintain sanitary environments, reduce costs, and improve safety. The company’s design and engineering are achieved with 3D modeling software from scratch or based on customers’ designs. Manufacturing is achieved with metals ranging from light gauge aluminum to stainless steel plate. Following installation, parts and raw materials are offered as after-market support.
Marshall Industrial Technologies, established in 1951 and headquartered in Stockertown, Pennsylvania, is a manufacturer and supplier of plant equipment installation and services. Its extensive services include process pipe installation and maintenance, mechanical services, electrical services, as well as instrumentation services, and automation solutions, while its product range includes replacement shafts, rolls, bronze and Babbitt bearings, as well as trunnions, housings, and frames. Certification, validation, documentation, and reporting services are also offered.
High Purity Systems, Inc., founded in 1985 and headquartered in Manassas, Virginia, is a custom manufacturer of process piping, skid systems, and sanitary process components. The company specializes in welding, bending, fabricating, and installing piping systems, serving a broad spectrum of industries including aerospace, biopharmaceutical, semiconductor, and water treatment. The company offers custom fabrication, polishing services, detailed 3D CAD drawings, and analytical testing. Its products are designed to meet the exacting needs of these industries, including the necessity for weld precision and system purity.
Carolina Process Piping, Inc., founded in 1982 and based in Kernersville, North Carolina, is a manufacturer of industrial and utility tubing and piping systems. The company also supplies personnel and offers maintenance of the tubing systems for sanitary processing applications. Carolina Process Piping utilizes orbitalitsding technology and adheres to ASME fabrication standards for the manufacturing and installation of its tubing and piping systems. Its services also include full documentation, part placement optimization, and layout assistance with the custom piping systems in the pharmaceutical, consumer products, dairy, and food & beverage industries.
Ameralloy Steel Corporation, founded in the year 1978, and based in Illinois, USA, is a manufacturer and supplier of ultra-tough premium alloys and services. The product portfolio includes stainless steel products, maintenance alloys steel, tools, dies, nickel alloy, and titanium. All the products are ISO certified. The products are used in various industries which include foundries, grain processing, heavy machinery, manufacturing, mining, paper, aerospace, and pharmaceutical industry. The company also provides engineering and fabrication services.
Superior Pipe Fabricators was established in 1984 and is based in Los Angeles, CA. The company supplies pipe welding and fabrications to the mining, electrical, construction, oil & gas, and energy industries. The company offers services including in-house coating, heat treating, and testing as well as galvanizing, pickling, passivating, and epoxy bonding. They serve the metalworking industry by offering fabrication services using metals such as carbon steel, stainless steel, chrome alloys, aluminum, and nickel.
Central States Industrial, founded in 1977, is a distributor of sanitary processing equipment and installation material. The equipment includes valves, mixing & ingredient addition, heat exchange, filters & strainers, and corrosion-resistant supper alloys used in chemical, biotech, brewery, dairy, and pharmaceutical industries. The Springfield, MO, company provides custom equipment such as utility stations, pump carts, hot water sets, valve manifolds, and holding tubes. The company offers installation, maintenance services, fabrication, pump repair, and industrial refrigeration capabilities.
IPEX by Aliaxis is headquartered in Oakville, Ontario. IPEX is a producer of pipe-related solutions defined in 6 categories: municipal, plumbing & mechanical, industrial, electrical, PE electrofusion, and irrigation. The company's municipal solutions include pressure piping and sewer piping systems in addition to specialty products. Plumbing & Mechanical solutions also include fire protection, gas venting systems, and potable water systems. Compressed air and acid waste systems are used in industrial systems. Light fixtures and ducts are keystones of the electrical solutions segment.
Inox Industries Inc., established in 1988 and located in Brampton, Ontario, is a manufacturer of customized stainless steel equipment. Their product range includes pressure vessels such as storage tanks, reactors, and heat exchangers, catering to industries like chemical, pharmaceutical, and food processing. Additionally, they manufacture various piping components, including pipes, fittings, and valves. The company also offers other products, such as tanks, bins, and conveyors. The company holds certifications like FDA, ASME, GMP, and BPA for ensuring the quality and compliance of their products.
Osaka Sanitary Co., Ltd. established in 1969, is a manufacturer and distributor of equipment for food processing, beverage, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. The company's product range includes Valves, Pumps, Fittings, Accessories, and Seal-less Mixers. These products are essential in ensuring hygienic and efficient operations. They predominantly serve the food processing, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors. In addition to its product offerings, the company specializes in plant design and construction, development of CIP units, provision of sterilization units, and supply of sanitary pipes and joints.
Kuze Bellows Kogyosho Co. Ltd., established in 1939 and headquartered in Ishikawa-ken, Japan, is a manufacturer of precision metal components. Its offered metal bellows are integral components for various valves, and the company also produce specialized pipes, including lengthy clean coil tubes that minimize welding points. The company also manufactures stainless steel fittings, catering to a wide range of industries such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, food production, petrochemicals, and electric power. The company consists of three independent production divisions at the core of the Kuze Group, and has obtained ISO 9001 certification from Bellows Kuze in 2003.
Sanitube, LLC, founded in 2010 and headquartered in Lakeland, Florida, USA, is a manufacturer of sanitary-grade stainless steel tubes, valves, and fittings. The company is ISO 9001 certified, and the product range includes precision-engineered tubing, optimal-quality valves, butt welds, and numerous fittings, all constructed from sanitary-grade stainless steel. These products offer optimum corrosion resistance, durability, and easy maintenance, making them ideal for industries requiring strict hygiene standards, such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and sanitary piping industry.
Saint-Gobain Life Sciences, headquartered in Solon, Ohio, is a manufacturer of polymer solutions and components that support the electronics, medical, and biopharma industries, among others. Its bioprocess solutions division provides material science-based solutions like silicone tubing and filtration products for single-use fluid management. The medical business manufactures custom medical components like cartridges and capsule filters and designs systems for medical devices. The consumer solutions business provides customer support to achieve performance, safety, and regulatory compliance, and it provides customized solutions like flowmeters, seals, and tubing. The electronics division manufactures products like valves and fittings for fluid handling applications.
Appleton Stainless, Inc. opened its doors in April of 1999 in Appleton, Wisconsin. The company is a manufacturer of pipe, tubes, fittings, and valves for such industries as food & dairy, biopharmaceutical, wastewater, meat packing, and semiconductors. The company originally manufactured stainless pipe and tube fittings, and has grown to serve many types of connectors and also offers custom services such as polished stainless pipe, large diameter tube, custom cutting of tube & pipe, custom stainless fitting & flanges, and stainless steel fabrication.
OCTALSTEEL, in Henan, China in 2006 is a supplier, distributor and manufacturer of integrated piping solutions for oil and gas companies. Their product portfolio includes Steel Pipe, Casing and Tubing, Steel Plate, Sucker Rod, and Equipment for pipelines. The company serves industries such as Oil and Gas, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Construction, and Power Generation. The company provides services such as Product Selection Guidance, Engineering Support, and Custom Manufacturing.
United P&H Supply Company was founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1922. United is a distributor of industrial PPVF, sanitary, and technical products for several markets including biotech, primary metals, shipbuilding, commercial construction, and healthcare facilities. The company's product offerings include pipe & tube, pumps, flow instrumentation, pressure and temperature controls, and tank devices. Additionally, the company offers services including valve automation, vendor-managed inventory, and EDI to ensure proper order fulfillment, delivery, and product operation.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Stainless Tubular Products, Inc. |
12.5%
|
2 | ASC Engineered Solutions, LLC |
10.2%
|
3 | Ameralloy Steel Corporation |
8.3%
|
4 | Carolina Process Piping, Inc. |
6.9%
|
5 | Murphy Company |
6.5%
|
6 | Millard Manufacturing Corp. |
6.5%
|
7 | IPEX |
5.1%
|
8 | Appleton Stainless |
5.1%
|
9 | High Purity Systems, Inc. |
4.6%
|
10 | Osaka sanitary co.,ltd. |
4.6%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the sanitary piping page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 11 | 78.6% |
Canada | 2 | 14.3% |
Japan | 1 | 7.1% |