The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
  

  -----

Chemical resistance of piping

We are looking for large diameter piping (24 to 36 inch diameter) that has excellent chemical resistance (almost to the degree of PTFE). An added property would be flame retardant.

Does anyone know of such a thing?

Ed Roscioli
- Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA
2005

---

First of two simultaneous responses -- 2005

Hi Ed,

In the field of plastics there are materials called DUAL LAMINATES.

These consists of thermoplastics with an armouring of fibreglass that is BONDED to them, 1964-ish. This was with PVC. I used to call them armoured thermoplastics and the first paper, I believe, was held on these in l976.

Nowadays there are the weldable fluorocarbons such as FEP, HALAR and a quasi fluorocarbon called PVDF quite apart from PVC, Pe and PP.

Then I.C.I. (U.K. mega chemical Co.) came out with an observation on chlorine (which attacks most plastics) that if the wall thickness is thick enough, the chemical attack peters off and ergo hd.Pe is OK as it reaches a passive barrier.... and just now, as of this moment, a Company in B.C. should soon be installing some 6 foot diameter hd.Pe pipe for 30 psi .... and THAT would have a massive wall thickness.

GO PLASTICS .... thanks !

Freeman Newton [deceased]
(It is our sad duty to advise that Freeman passed away
April 21, 2012. R.I.P. old friend).

---

Second of two simultaneous responses --

Vague question. Resistant to what chemicals at what pressures and temperatures, welded, bolted, bent or just one straight piece. Price that you are willing to pay counts too because there are expensive exotic alloys that are very resistant to chemicals and flame immune (even gold meets your criteria).

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
2005