Chemical Processing O-ring Materials

What are Chemical Processing Grade Materials?

• Chemical processing grade materials are substances, components, or equipment engineered to excel in the challenging conditions of the chemical processing industry. These materials must exhibit high chemical resistance, thermal stability, and mechanical strength to prevent equipment failure and protect personnel.

Common Considerations

• Chemical Resistance: Materials must be highly resistant to the specific chemicals used in the processing, preventing degradation and corrosion.

• Temperature and Pressure: Materials should withstand the extreme temperatures and pressures encountered in chemical reactors, pipelines, and storage tanks.

• Compatibility: Compatibility with the chemicals, processes, and equipment used in the facility is essential to avoid adverse reactions and maintain product quality.

• Durability: Materials must be durable and capable of withstanding the harsh conditions over an extended service life, reducing maintenance and replacement costs.

• Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with industry standards and regulations is necessary to ensure safety and regulatory approval.

• Cost Efficiency: While performance is crucial, cost considerations should be balanced to optimize material selection.

Material Options

• Perfluoroelastomers (FFKM): Perfluoroelastomers, like Kalrez® and CanRez™, are formulated to perform exceptionally well in almost all abrasive chemicals at extreme temperature ranges. When it comes to chemically resistant and high temperature elastomers, perfluoroelastomers are the best.

• Fluoroelastomers (FKM, Viton): FKM compounds, O-rings, gaskets, & custom molded parts exhibit excellent mechanical attributes as well as excellent resistance to high temperatures, mineral oil, ozone, fuels, hydraulic fluids, and many other solvents and chemicals.

• Fluoropolymers: Fluoropolymer materials like PTFE and PVDF are excellent choices for spring energized seals, backup rings, lining equipment, tanks, and pipes, as they provide high chemical resistance.

• Stainless Steel Alloys: Stainless steel alloys, such as 316L and 317L, are known for their corrosion resistance and are widely used in pipelines, reactors, and storage tanks.

• Corrosion-Resistant Alloys: Specialized alloys like Hastelloy, Inconel, and Monel offer superior resistance to a wide range of corrosive chemicals and are used in critical applications.

• Glass-Lined Steel: Glass-lined steel vessels offer a combination of steel's structural strength and glass's chemical resistance, making them suitable for a variety of chemical processes.

• Ceramic Materials: Ceramic materials, such as alumina and zirconia, are used for their high-temperature resistance and excellent corrosion resistance in specialized applications.

• Plastic Piping: Plastic piping systems made of materials like PVC, CPVC, and PP offer corrosion resistance and are used in chemical transfer and distribution.