Achieving High Purity and Operational Efficiency in Bulk Chemical Systems
The Chemical Processing Industry (CPI) produces and supplies essential raw materials to companies in the industrial and manufacturing sectors.
These chemical products are distributed to users and consumers by:
- Containers
- Barrels
- Pipelines
- Sacks
- Small packages
Bulk chemical distribution (BCD) reduces the cost of delivering chemicals from large bulk containers to their final uses. Increased demand from end-use industries, including construction, automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure, will likely boost BCD growth.
These BCD systems often include automated equipment that dilutes and dispenses chemicals. Various system components use Teflon™ fluoropolymers for chemical and thermal resistance.
Utlizing Teflon™ fluoropolymers to make inherently pure products is more cost effective than additional downstream refinement.
Tanks and Containers
Teflon™ resins protect fluid purity because they are universally compatible with nearly all chemicals. Chemical suppliers use Teflon™ PFA (perfluoroalkoxy) or Teflon™ PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) resins to line tanks and containers, as well as returnable drums, that store and dispense ultra-pure and aggressive chemical fluids. Teflon™ PFA and PFA HP (high-purity) resins can also line metal and reinforced plastic tanks used in high-pressure applications.
Fluid Handling Components
Teflon™ PFA and PTFE resins provide critical, high-level protection against contamination for all fluid handling components. Fittings made with Teflon™ PFA resins connect BCD system piping with pumps, pressure regulators, valves, and remote-activated automated systems (which require valves).
Piping and Fittings
Lined fittings complete piping systems; bolted flanges and melt bonding also use Teflon™ PFA resins to connect the parts. Thermal welding, flare-type connections, and dual containment construction methods protect pipes against leaks and contamination. Piping is bent to the required configuration after lining to reduce the number of flanged fittings.
Tubing
The chemical processing industry uses tubing manufactured with Teflon™ PFA resins to transport chemicals when large piping systems aren’t necessary. Filter housings use Teflon™ PFA resins because they increase the ability to remove particulates from high-purity chemicals and solvents.
Sensors
Capacitors that are shielded in dip tubes of high-purity Teflon™ PFA resins monitor fluid levels in BCD tanks. Other sensor designs detect chemical flow through tank or pipe walls also made with Teflon™ PFA. Resins used to jacket sensors connecting electrical cables offer improved insulation, fire resistance, and electrical performance.
Valves
Teflon™ PFA or PTFE resins can line a wide range of valves and pumps. Like lined pipe, chemical processors uses these components to:
- Extend service life
- Reduce maintenance
- Protect product purity
Process Vessels
Teflon™ PFA and PTFE resins provide effective lining for steel and reinforced plastic vessels and columns used in reactions, distillations, absorptions, and other chemical processes. These linings extend service life, reduce maintenance, and protect product purity.