Pipe Fabrication for Food and Beverage: Meeting Standards

May 2, 2025

In the food and beverage industry, every piece of equipment in the processing line plays a direct role in product quality and consumer safety. Pipe fabrication is no exception. From transporting raw ingredients to delivering finished products, hygienic piping systems serve as the backbone of daily operations. Precision in pipe fabrication for food and beverage facilities is not just a matter of performance; it is a matter of compliance, sanitation, and brand integrity.

F&L United understands the unique demands of this sector and applies proven expertise to support clean, durable, and regulatory-compliant piping systems that keep operations running safely and efficiently.

Why Pipe Fabrication for Food and Beverage Requires Specialized Attention

Unlike many industrial applications, food and beverage piping systems must meet both mechanical demands and strict sanitary codes. Pipes carry everything from milk and beer to syrups and processed water. These materials cannot come into contact with contaminants or residual buildup. To prevent bacterial growth and cross-contamination, pipes must be designed and fabricated with attention to hygienic design principles, smooth welds, corrosion resistance, and clean-in-place (CIP) compatibility.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and 3-A Sanitary Standards, Inc. provide clear guidelines on the materials, finishes, and construction practices for food processing equipment, including piping. F&L United integrates these standards into its fabrication practices to meet industry expectations and protect public health.

• FDA Food Equipment Standards
• 3-A Sanitary Standards

Material Selection: Stainless Steel as the Gold Standard

Stainless steel is the dominant material used in pipe fabrication for food and beverage plants, with 304 and 316L stainless steel being the most common. These grades are favored for their corrosion resistance, weldability, and compatibility with acidic or alkaline substances used during cleaning cycles.

316L, in particular, is used when the piping system handles products with higher chloride content or when extended chemical exposure is expected. Its low carbon content minimizes carbide precipitation during welding, which helps maintain corrosion resistance near the heat-affected zones.

In addition to selecting the right material, F&L United pays close attention to surface finish. A polished internal finish, typically less than 32 Ra, is critical to prevent microbial growth and facilitate cleaning. Electropolishing may be used in high-purity applications to further enhance cleanability and corrosion resistance.

Sanitary Welding Practices: The Key to Contamination-Free Systems

The integrity of a hygienic system relies heavily on its welds. In pipe fabrication for food and beverage facilities, orbital welding is often the preferred method due to its consistency and precision. This automated technique allows for repeatable, high-quality welds with minimal human error, which is critical in maintaining clean-in-place compatibility.

Welds in sanitary piping systems must be free of crevices, pits, and oxidation. Any imperfection could become a harbor for bacteria and lead to contamination. F&L United uses purge gas systems to protect the weld interior and achieve full penetration, discoloration-free welds. Welders are qualified under ASME Section IX, and every joint is inspected for visual and dimensional accuracy.

Compliance with 3-A and FDA Guidelines

Adherence to regulatory standards is not optional in food processing, it is foundational. The FDA provides overarching rules on food contact substances, while 3-A Sanitary Standards offer more detailed equipment design requirements. Pipes must have smooth, cleanable surfaces, be drainable, and constructed in a way that eliminates dead legs or pooling.

F&L United works closely with clients to meet these specifications during the design and fabrication phases. Our team frequently references 3-A design criteria for fittings, pipe angles, and drain ability. In clean-in-place systems, we evaluate fluid dynamics and pressure drop to help support consistent and complete cleaning cycles.

By incorporating these considerations early in the fabrication process, rework and inspection failures are minimized, saving time and cost while protecting product integrity.

Clean-In-Place (CIP) Compatibility and Maintenance

Clean-in-place systems allow food and beverage manufacturers to clean internal surfaces without disassembly, a process that saves time and improves sanitation consistency. However, CIP effectiveness depends heavily on proper pipe design and fabrication.

To support effective cleaning, F&L United fabricates piping systems with:

• Proper slopes and flow geometry to eliminate pooling
• Radiused elbows and minimized fittings to reduce turbulence
• Orbital welds with smooth ID finish
• Connections that eliminate crevices or misalignments

In facilities where downtime is costly, F&L’s precise fabrication allows systems to be cleaned quickly and brought back online without compromising cleanliness.

Nondestructive Testing for Hygienic Systems

Hygienic piping systems often undergo a range of nondestructive tests (NDT) to confirm performance without altering the system. For food and beverage fabrication, common NDT methods include:

• Visual Inspection: To assess weld bead quality and finish
• Borescope Inspection: For hard-to-reach interior weld areas
• Dye Penetrant Testing (DPT): To detect surface-breaking defects
• Hydrostatic or Pressure Testing: To verify system integrity

F&L United performs these inspections in accordance with ASME and customer specifications, with detailed documentation provided for traceability.

Field Installation and Modular Fabrication

While shop fabrication allows for better control, not every connection can be completed in the facility. F&L United supports field installation with trained crews capable of working in active facilities with strict sanitary protocols. Whether it’s connecting modules or adapting to existing infrastructure, our team maintains hygienic fabrication standards on-site.

For projects with tight schedules or limited on-site space, modular fabrication is an efficient solution. Skids or modular piping racks are fabricated in our controlled shop environment, tested, and then shipped for plug-and-play installation. This approach reduces contamination risks and significantly shortens the timeline for commissioning.

Documentation and Traceability

Clients in the food and beverage sector often require extensive documentation for audits, recalls, and compliance reporting. F&L United provides:

• Material test reports (MTRs)
• Weld maps and logs
• Inspection records
• Sanitary design conformance checklists

This level of transparency supports customer confidence and strengthens the long-term value of the fabricated system.

Final Thoughts

Pipe fabrication for food and beverage applications demands a high level of precision, regulatory knowledge, and cleanliness. From selecting the right stainless steel to executing polished orbital welds and supporting CIP compatibility, F&L United provides turnkey sanitary piping systems built for performance and compliance. With our experience in fabrication, inspection, and field installation, we help food and beverage clients meet both their operational goals and their sanitation obligations.