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At its core, the chemical industry converts raw materials (oil, gas, water, metals, and minerals) into over 70,000 products which, as consumers, we encounter on a daily basis. From fertilisers which support agriculture to the actual cars we drive, almost every facet of our life is made possible by the presence of chemicals and chemical processing.
As expected, however, there are several risks associated with the chemical processing industry. Because chemicals are inherently hazardous and a number of them are flammable, explosive, toxic or corrosive, it’s important for processing plants to use materials which can handle the aggressive manufacturing environment. This is where fluoroplastics come in.
Why fluoroplastics are ideal for the chemical processing industry
Fluoropolymers have several key properties which means that they don’t interfere with chemical processing:
Chemical resistance
Most importantly, fluoroplastics are highly chemically resistant and are some of the most inert materials known to man. Chemicals that this unique material is resistant to include, but are not limited to, acetone, formic acid, hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid, diesel oil, phosphoric acid and sulphur dioxide.
Mechanical properties
Fluoropolymers have fantastic non-stick and low friction qualities; They do not rub, stick or break under tension. This is an added benefit in the chemical processing industry as it prevents a build-up of microbes and bacteria.
Thermal tolerance
PTFE, FEP and PFA are some of the most thermal resistant plastics and are ideal for use in very high and very low working temperatures, and can withstand temperatures ranging from -200°C up to +260°C.
Fluoropolymer products used in the chemical processing industry
- PTFE tubing which can be cut to length, coiled or flared and tipped dependent on your requirements
- Encapsulated temperature and level sensors, ideal for chemical tanks
- FEP and PTFE heat shrink tubing and sleeving for encapsulating components to make them more suitable for aggressive environments
- Custom fluoroplastic components, completely encapsulated to prevent chemical ingress
- PTFE coated springs, sealed at each end and spark-tested to ensure chemical resistance
- PTFE sheet and tape which can be chemically etched to ensure suitability with most adhesives
- ePTFE sealing tape manufactured using a process that expands and orientates the PTFE, making it soft and flexible. ePTFE is supplied in flattened cord/thick tape form with a self-adhesive strip, which allows easy installation on vertical surfaces.
- Machined parts in PTFE and PVDF
- Granular PTFE tubes and rods available with various fillers (such as anti-static, carbon and ceramic) to offer better insulation and wear resistance for more abrasive applications
