Chemical Processing

Fluoropolymers are broadly unaffected by most chemicals as a result of the strong carbon-fluorine bonds. The inert nature of these coatings provides huge benefits in reactive and corrosive environments. The only substances that are known to affect fluoropolymer coatings are highly reactive fluorinating agents and molten alkali metals.

Chemical inertness means that fully fluorinated fluoropolymers can be in continuous contact with another substance with no measurable chemical reaction or degradation taking place. Among others, they are resistant to fuming sulphuric and nitric acids, bases, peroxides, antioxidants (as used in high temperature oils) and methanol.

The chemical processing industry continues to present challenging environments for fluoropolymer coatings. As science and technology progresses, processes become more aggressive and more demanding. Fluoropolymer coatings provide a highly effective corrosion protection, a physical barrier when processing materials are not permitted to be in contact with metallic surfaces, such as in the pharmaceutical industry. Also, fluoropolymer coatings will prevent the build up of unwanted residue inside processing equipment, increasing efficiency and reducing the need for maintenance shutdowns.

The type of equipment used in pharmaceutical, petrochemical and other chemical processing industries is normally very expensive to produce and the costs of down time involved in repair or replacement can be prohibitive, so it is crucial to understand all aspects of the process that may affect our judgement in the selection of the correct coating system.

We have a full range of coatings available that are capable of providing high levels of protection from almost all acids, alkalis and solvents.