In process engineering, piping and ducting can sometimes be grouped together as part of the same system, but they serve very different purposes. Choosing the right solution depends largely on what is being transported through the system and the requirements of the process.
At ITS, we work with customers across the food, beverage, dairy, pharmaceutical, personal care, and wider process industries to provide hygienic stainless steel solutions from KMH Kamman Metallbau, including their specialist ducting systems and components.
So, when should you use piping, and when is ducting the better solution?
💧 Piping – For Liquid Handling
Piping and tubing systems are generally used for the transportation of liquids through a process.
This can include products, ingredients, water, cleaning solutions, and other liquid process media. Depending on the application, piping systems can also be designed to meet specific requirements around hygiene, temperature, pressure, cleanability, and product compatibility.
Piping is typically the preferred solution when the process involves:
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Liquid product transfer
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Water and cleaning systems
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Liquid ingredients and process media
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Pressurised liquid applications
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Hygienic product-contact processes
🔹The design and specification of the piping system will depend on the characteristics of the product, the operating conditions, and the requirements of the process.
💨 Ducting – For Dry Products, Air & Dust
Ducting systems are generally used for the movement of dry products, powders, air, and dust within a process.
This makes ducting particularly important in applications where materials need to be conveyed or extracted without relying on a liquid medium.
KMH Kamman Metallbau specialises in hygienic stainless steel ducting solutions, providing components and fabricated systems designed for demanding process environments.
Ducting can be used for applications such as:
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Dry product and powder handling
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Air transportation
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Dust extraction
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Extraction and ventilation systems
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Conveying dry materials between process stages
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Hygienic air and product handling
🔹For food, dairy, pharmaceutical, and other hygienically sensitive industries, the design of the ducting system is particularly important to help maintain cleanliness and minimise areas where product or dust can accumulate.
🔍 So, Which Should You Choose?
The simplest way to look at it is:
Choose Piping/Tube When:
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You are transporting liquids
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The process involves liquid product or ingredients
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Pressure and flow requirements need to be controlled
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Hygienic liquid handling is required
Choose Ducting When:
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You are transporting dry products or powders
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Air movement is required
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Dust or particulate extraction is required
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Dry materials need to be conveyed between process stages
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A hygienic air, dust, or dry-product handling solution is required
Ultimately, the right solution comes down to the material being transported and the requirements of the process. Selecting the appropriate system from the outset can help improve process efficiency, simplify maintenance, and support reliable and hygienic operation.
🏭 KMH Hygienic Ducting Solutions
At ITS, we supply KMH Kamman Metallbau hygienic stainless steel ducting, components, and associated process solutions for demanding applications across the food, beverage, dairy, pharmaceutical, and other process industries.
Whether you’re looking at dry product conveying, air handling, dust extraction, or a bespoke hygienic ducting installation, our team can help you identify the right components and configuration for your application.
💻 Looking for hygienic stainless steel tubing, bends, fittings, manifolds, or custom fabrications from KMH? Contact ITS to discuss your application requirements.
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