Is PVDF Suitable for Drinking Water and Food Applications? Certification, Safety and Practice
PVDF is widely used in chemical installations. But what about drinking water and food applications? Can PVDF be used for drinking water systems, process water in the food industry, or in contact with food? The short answer: yes, provided the right grade and the appropriate certification are used.
In this article, we discuss:
- Migration and material properties
- Drinking water certification (such as NSF and KIWA)
- Food contact regulations (such as FDA)
- Hygiene and cleanability
- Practical design considerations
What Makes a Plastic Suitable for Drinking Water?
For drinking water applications, three core criteria apply:
- No harmful migration of substances
- No taste or odour transfer
- Microbiological safety
PVDF performs strongly in this regard due to:
- High chemical inertness
- Low extractable values
- Smooth, non-porous structure
The material does not release plasticisers or stabilisers, as some other plastics may do.
Certifications for Drinking Water
Not every PVDF product is automatically suitable for drinking water. Suitability depends on:
- Formulation
- Additives
- Manufacturing process
Always request a product-specific certificate, not just a general material declaration. Common certifications include:
NSF (USA)
NSF/ANSI 61 applies to materials in contact with drinking water. It tests migration and contamination.
KIWA (Netherlands/Europe)
KIWA certification confirms that the material is suitable for drinking water installations under European regulations.
WRAS (UK)
Focused on water quality and drinking water safety.
PVDF in the Food Industry (Food Contact)
Different regulations apply to food applications. Again, not every PVDF product is automatically food grade. The supplier must demonstrate compliance with the relevant standards.
FDA (USA)
PVDF may be FDA-compliant under 21 CFR regulations for food contact.
EU Regulation 10/2011
Governs plastics intended for contact with food within Europe.
Migration Properties of PVDF
Migration refers to the transfer of substances from a material into a liquid or food product. PVDF offers:
- Low diffusion coefficient
- High chemical stability
- No plasticisers
This makes it highly suitable for:
- Demineralised water
- Ultra-pure water
- Food processes with high purity requirements
In high-purity applications, PVDF is often preferred over metals due to the lower risk of contamination.
Hygiene and Cleanability
For drinking water and food installations, hygienic design is critical. PVDF provides:
- Smooth internal surfaces
- Low surface roughness
- Good cleanability
The material is compatible with CIP procedures (Cleaning in Place), provided that:
- Temperature remains within specification
- Cleaning chemicals are compatible
An important point: chemical compatibility may change at elevated temperatures.
Temperature Limits in Drinking Water and Food Applications
The maximum service temperature of PVDF is around 120–150°C. However, in drinking water and food applications, continuous operating temperatures typically remain below 60–90°C. At higher temperatures:
- Mechanical strength decreases
- Migration may theoretically increase
- Pressure and safety margins must be adjusted
For hot water or steam applications, PVDF is generally less suitable.
Comparison with Alternative Materials
|
Material |
Drinking Water |
Food Contact |
Temperature Range |
|
PP |
Yes |
Yes |
Lower |
|
PE |
Yes |
Yes |
Lower |
|
PVDF |
Yes |
Yes |
Medium |
|
Stainless steel |
Yes |
Yes |
High |
Why choose PVDF over stainless steel?
- Corrosion resistance
- No metal ion release
- Lower weight
- Simple installation (welding)
In aggressive water conditions (e.g. high chloride content), PVDF can even be more durable than stainless steel.
Practical Applications of PVDF in Drinking Water and Food
Drinking Water Installations
- Piping systems
- Storage tanks
- Pump housings
- Filtration systems
Food Industry
- Process water lines
- Chemical cleaning lines
- Transport of liquid food products
- High-purity applications
In the semiconductor industry, PVDF is even used for ultra-pure water due to its low extractable values.
Key Design Considerations
- Verify certification per product
- Account for temperature derating
- Check chemical compatibility during CIP
- Avoid dead legs in the design
- Document compliance for audits
Certification alone is not sufficient. Installation quality and system design also determine safety.
When Is PVDF Less Suitable?
PVDF is less suitable when:
- High-pressure steam cleaning is required
- Continuous temperatures above 100°C occur in drinking water systems
- Extreme thermal shocks are present
In such cases, stainless steel or PTFE may be more appropriate.
Conclusion
PVDF is highly suitable for drinking water and food applications — provided the correct certified product is used. The material offers:
- Low migration
- High chemical stability
- Good hygienic properties
- Corrosion resistance
However, certification is product-specific. Design and temperature management remain crucial. For many industrial water and food processes, PVDF represents a safe, durable and economically attractive solution.
Would you like to find out whether PVDF is suitable for your application? Contact our PVDF specialists or request a free technical consultation today.