Manufacturing and chemical processing rely heavily on acids. When managing processes that involve acidity and chemical corrosion, selecting the appropriate materials for valves and piping systems becomes crucial. In recent years, one option that has gained popularity is PFA or PTFE lining for valves. Lined valves have earned recognition for their outstanding resistance to corrosion, making them an ideal choice for industries like chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductor manufacturing.
Why PFA (or PTFE)?
Lined valves are most commonly available with PFA or PTFE linings. PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy) and PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) are both high-performance fluoropolymer materials used in various industrial applications. Both are high-performance thermoplastic polymers that demonstrates exceptional resistance to heat, chemicals, and corrosion. Our standard lined valves utilize PFA for the liner. Manufacturers construct PFA-lined valves by coating a metal body with a layer of PFA resin, creating a non-stick surface that resists numerous corrosive materials.
PFA Lined Valves
PFA lined valves offer a significant advantage over other types of valves in their capacity to manage a broad spectrum of corrosive fluids, encompassing strong acids, bases, and solvents. For instance, industries frequently employ PFA lined valves in the production of hydrochloric acid, a substance that can be highly corrosive to numerous metals. The utilization of PFA lined valves in this process enhances system safety and reliability.
PFA lined valves also hold advantages over other plastic materials such as PVC and CPVC. Although both PVC and CPVC are affordable and easy to install, they come with limitations in handling corrosive materials. Acids are not recommended for use with PVC, and high temperatures can render CPVC brittle. In contrast, PFA lined valves can endure high temperatures and provide outstanding chemical resistance, rendering them a more versatile option for a broader array of processes.
Common Industrial Uses for PFA Lined Valves
Numerous industries utilize PFA/PTFE valves for critical processes, including:
- Chemical Processing: Companies in the chemical processing sector frequently employ lined valves to control the flow of corrosive chemicals.
- Pharmaceutical Industry: The pharmaceutical manufacturing sector relies on these valves to manage sensitive and corrosive substances.
- Water Treatment: Water treatment plants use PFA lined valves to handle chemicals involved in the purification process.
- Petrochemical Industry: Lined valves are suitable for managing aggressive fluids in the petrochemical industry.
- Food and Beverage: The food and beverage industry benefits from lined valves in handling ingredients and products due to their hygienic properties.
- Waste Treatment: Wastewater treatment facilities apply them in handling aggressive chemicals.
- Mining: PFA lined valves play a role in mining operations by handling corrosive materials and slurries.
- Power Generation: Power plants utilize these valves to control the flow of various fluids, including corrosive cooling agents.
- Oil and Gas: In the oil and gas industry, lined valves are employed for handling corrosive substances during extraction and refining processes.
- Semiconductor Manufacturing: In semiconductor fabrication, these valves help manage chemicals used in the production of microchips.
- Textile Industry: PFA lined valves are integral to dyeing and chemical treatment processes in the textile industry.
- Agriculture: They find application in agricultural processes where corrosive pesticides or fertilizers are used.
UNP Polyvalve
We offer a full product line of PFA lined industrial products including ball valves, butterfly valves, plug valves, globes valves, check valves and more, including pipe and fittings, through UNP Polyvalve USA. Fully actuated valve packages are available as well. Our standard valve bodies are manufactured using investment cast carbon steel for improved performance compared to ductile iron used by many manufacturers. We offer stainless steel bodies as an option.
PFA-lined valves have found successful applications in various industries, with a strong presence in chemical processing, wastewater treatment, oil & gas, petrochemical, pharmaceuticals, mining, steel manufacturing/steel pickling, and more.
Tell us know about your application and let us be part of your solution!
Some of our valves can be found at the link below. Be sure to contact us to get your special project pricing and more.
A. Louis Supply UNP PFA Lined Valves
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