BD INTRAMEDIC Polyethylene Tubing, 100ft Coil Length Review

Let’s Dive into BD INTRAMEDIC Polyethylene Tubing, 100ft Coil Length

The BD INTRAMEDIC Polyethylene Tubing, 100ft Coil Length from BD is designed for laboratory and medical applications where flexibility and chemical inertness are crucial. This tubing promises a reliable solution for transferring fluids and gases in a controlled environment. Its waxy white, translucent appearance and 100-foot coil length immediately suggest versatility and ample supply for various tasks.

I found myself needing this tubing when I was setting up a remote hydration system for my base camp on a recent backcountry expedition. I was looking for something that wouldn’t leach chemicals into the water supply and could withstand temperature fluctuations. After researching several options, the BD INTRAMEDIC Polyethylene Tubing, 100ft Coil Length seemed like the best bet due to its advertised non-reactive properties and durable temperature range.

Upon unboxing, the tubing felt substantial yet flexible. The material had a clean, smooth surface and a slight waxy feel, confirming its polyethylene composition. The coil was neatly wound and easy to handle, suggesting good manufacturing quality.

Compared to standard hardware store tubing, which often has a noticeable plastic odor and lacks specific material certifications, the BD INTRAMEDIC Polyethylene Tubing, 100ft Coil Length immediately stood out. I also considered silicone tubing for its flexibility but ultimately chose polyethylene for its superior chemical resistance and lower cost. My initial excitement was tempered by the price tag, but I hoped the performance would justify the investment.


Real-World Testing: Putting BD INTRAMEDIC Polyethylene Tubing, 100ft Coil Length to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the BD INTRAMEDIC Polyethylene Tubing, 100ft Coil Length by integrating it into my camp’s water filtration and distribution system. The tubing connected my gravity-fed water filter to a remote water storage bladder about 50 feet away. The system ran for several days in temperatures ranging from near-freezing at night to 70°F during the day.

The tubing was easy to cut and connect to fittings without kinking or splitting. The water tasted clean and untainted, which was my primary concern. There were no noticeable leaks or pressure drops in the system.

Extended Use & Reliability

After three weeks of continuous use in my backcountry setup, the BD INTRAMEDIC Polyethylene Tubing, 100ft Coil Length performed admirably. The tubing showed no signs of degradation or cracking despite being exposed to direct sunlight and temperature variations. I did notice a slight discoloration on the exterior where the tubing was in direct contact with the ground, but it didn’t affect its structural integrity.

Cleaning was simple: I flushed the system with a mild bleach solution followed by several rinses with clean water. Compared to previous experiences with cheaper tubing that became brittle and cracked after similar use, this tubing proved to be significantly more durable and reliable. It definitely outperformed my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of BD INTRAMEDIC Polyethylene Tubing, 100ft Coil Length

Specifications

  • Length: 100 feet. This generous length offers plenty of material for various applications, from long-distance fluid transfer to multiple shorter connections.
  • Wall Thickness: 0.007 inches. This thickness provides a good balance between flexibility and rigidity, making it suitable for both vacuum and pressure applications.
  • Material: Polyethylene. Polyethylene is known for its chemical inertness, meaning it won’t react with or contaminate the fluids or gases passing through it.
  • Temperature Range: Up to 104°C (219°F). This wide temperature range ensures the tubing remains durable and functional in various environmental conditions.
  • Appearance: Waxy white, translucent. The translucent nature allows for easy visual inspection of the fluids passing through the tubing.
  • Sterile: No. This product is non-sterile, making it suitable for a wide range of non-medical applications, but it may need sterilization depending on the use case.
  • Other Properties: Nonsterile, nonradiopaque, and non-tissue-reactive. These properties make it a safe option for diverse applications, including laboratory experiments and certain medical procedures.

The specifications matter because they directly influence the tubing’s performance and suitability for specific tasks. The polyethylene material ensures that the tubing will not leach chemicals into the fluid, while the temperature range guarantees its durability under various conditions. The wall thickness is essential for ensuring the tubing can handle both vacuum and pressure without collapsing or bursting.

Performance & Functionality

The BD INTRAMEDIC Polyethylene Tubing, 100ft Coil Length excels in its primary function: reliably transferring fluids and gases without contamination. Its flexibility allows for easy routing, and its rigidity prevents kinking, ensuring consistent flow. The tubing is easy to cut and connect to various fittings, making it versatile for different applications.

The main strength of this tubing is its chemical inertness. A notable weakness is its non-sterile condition, which might require additional sterilization steps for certain applications. Overall, it met my expectations by providing a safe and reliable fluid transfer solution in a demanding backcountry environment.

Design & Ergonomics

The BD INTRAMEDIC Polyethylene Tubing, 100ft Coil Length features a simple, functional design. The polyethylene material is lightweight and easy to handle, and the translucent appearance allows for quick visual inspections. The coil form factor makes it easy to store and transport.

The tubing is generally user-friendly, requiring no special tools or skills for cutting and connecting. However, working with the coiled tubing can be slightly cumbersome, especially when trying to measure and cut specific lengths.

Durability & Maintenance

The polyethylene material is highly durable and resistant to cracking and degradation. Proper cleaning and storage will ensure it lasts for a long time. Maintenance is minimal, primarily involving occasional cleaning to prevent buildup or contamination.

Accessories and Customization Options

The BD INTRAMEDIC Polyethylene Tubing, 100ft Coil Length is compatible with a wide range of standard fittings, connectors, and clamps. I found that it worked perfectly with the standard barbed fittings from my local hardware store. The ability to easily adapt to different fittings enhances its versatility and makes it suitable for various customization options.

Pros and Cons of BD INTRAMEDIC Polyethylene Tubing, 100ft Coil Length

Pros

  • Chemically inert: The polyethylene material ensures no contamination of transferred fluids or gases.
  • Durable: The tubing is resistant to cracking and degradation, ensuring long-lasting performance.
  • Wide temperature range: It can withstand temperatures up to 104°C (219°F), making it suitable for various environments.
  • Flexible and easy to handle: The tubing is easy to cut, connect, and route.
  • Translucent: The translucent appearance allows for easy visual inspection of the contents.

Cons

  • Price: The price point is significantly higher than standard hardware store tubing.
  • Non-sterile: Sterilization might be required for certain applications.
  • Coil memory: The tubing retains its coiled shape, which can make it slightly unwieldy in certain setups.


Who Should Buy BD INTRAMEDIC Polyethylene Tubing, 100ft Coil Length?

This BD INTRAMEDIC Polyethylene Tubing, 100ft Coil Length is perfect for:

  • Laboratory professionals: Its chemical inertness and wide temperature range make it ideal for various lab experiments and fluid transfer tasks.
  • Medical technicians: It is suitable for certain medical applications where non-reactive tubing is required (note: sterilization may be necessary).
  • Backcountry adventurers: Ideal for creating reliable and safe hydration systems in remote environments.
  • DIY enthusiasts: Suitable for a variety of projects requiring durable and non-contaminating tubing.

This product might not be the best choice for individuals looking for a cheap and disposable tubing option or those who require sterile tubing without the ability to sterilize it themselves. Must-have accessories include a sharp tubing cutter and appropriate fittings for the intended application.

Conclusion on BD INTRAMEDIC Polyethylene Tubing, 100ft Coil Length

In summary, the BD INTRAMEDIC Polyethylene Tubing, 100ft Coil Length is a high-quality, reliable, and durable solution for fluid and gas transfer. Its chemical inertness, wide temperature range, and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for applications where contamination and reliability are critical.

The price is justified by its superior performance and longevity compared to cheaper alternatives. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a dependable tubing option for laboratory, medical, or outdoor applications. Invest in the BD INTRAMEDIC Polyethylene Tubing, 100ft Coil Length today and ensure reliable and safe fluid transfer in your projects!

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