General Specification

Fluoropolymers are used in the chemical processing industry principally for outstanding resistance to almost all chemicals their ability to withstand high temperatures also plays an important part in their functional role. The low mechanical Properties and high permeation rates of fluoropolymers at high temperature limit their use of linings to about 175 Degree Celsius, although they remain chemical inert up to 260 Degree Celsius.

Selection of polymers is an integral part of the overall material selection process. This implies that all the available material such as metals, ceramics and plastics are considered candidates for an application. The End user then considers these materials against established criteria such as required life, mean time between inspection, ease of fabrication, frequency of inspection ,extent of maintenance and capital cost.

More often than not it is the initial capital cost rather than life cycle cost of the equipment that affects the decision made during the material selection step. However the most important piece of data in the medium under consideration over the life of the equipment.