PTFE or PFA Lined spools and fabricated components

Looking for tier-one quality PTFE lined pipes?
At Australian Mining Product and Services, we offer PTFE-lined pipes in the most commonly used fluoropolymer lining material, PTFE Teflon, and other materials, such as ECTFE, FEP, PFA, and PVDF. Industries like pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food, and petrochemicals that handle hazardous acids and highly corrosive materials and solvents need to install PTFE-lined pipes.

These materials often need to be transported from point A to point B and moved through storage vessels to the reactors and mixing tanks where the final product will be made. Since these materials or acids are so corrosive in nature, they can corrode steel pipes used as conveyors. To avoid equipment corrosion during the process and ensure system safety, PTFE-lined pipes are the easiest way to go.

PTFE and PFA Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene with a wide variety of applications.

The most widely known PTFE formulation is sold under the brand name of Teflon®. PTFE was discovered by DuPont Co. in 1938. Perfluoroalkoxy alkanes (PFA) is a copolymer of hexafluoropropylene and perfluoro ethers.

PFA was developed after the discovery of PTFE by the same producer (DuPont Co.). PFA has very similar properties to PTFE, though the biggest difference between PTFE and PFA is that PFA is melt-processed. This is accomplished through conventional injection moulding as well as screw extrusion techniques.

PTFE is often used in containers and pipes for handling reactive and corrosive chemicals as it has non-reactive properties. Another application of PTFE is as a lubricant. Used in this way, PTFE helps to reduce friction within machinery, minimize the “wear and tear,” and improve energy consumption.

PFA is generally used for plastic lab equipment because of its extreme resistance to chemical attack, optical transparency, and overall flexibility, and can also often be used as tubing for handling critical or highly corrosive processes. It can facilitate the use of carbon steel fiber reinforced plastics (FRPs) as replacements for more expensive alloys and metals. Devices used for level measurement are frequently exposed to harsh tank atmospheres. Aggressive media, such as acid, can corrode probes and parts in contact with the product. Viscous and sticky products are other level measurement challenges. These can cause build-up on the wetted parts of the transmitter and increase the risk of affecting the measurement.

Differences between PTFE and PFA

PTFE, being a fluorocarbon solid, is hydrophobic, meaning that it is less easily wetted by substances containing water. Also, PTFE possesses a very low coefficient of friction when in contact with solids.

PFA is superior to PTFE in terms of flexibility particularly when it comes to tubing applications. On the other hand, PFA’s flex life (i.e., capacity to endure repetitive folding) is lower than PTFE.

PTFE is slightly more resistant to heat than PFA. PFA is more affected by water absorption and weathering but is superior to PTFE when it comes to salt spray resistance.

PFA has the same dielectric constant as PTFE as well as a very similar dissipation factor, yet PFA has a dielectric strength three to four times higher than PTFE.

Both PTFE and PFA show outstanding chemical properties for resistance to corrosive agents, non-solubility, and non-flammability. Both are virtually identical in terms of their electrical properties for dielectric, dissipation, and surface resistivity.

Even in critical melting point (service temperature) ratings, both materials have identical properties. In fact, they differ significantly only with regard to cold flow (PFA better than PTFE) and folding endurance (PTFE better than PFA).

PFA has a higher creep resistance but PTFE can withstand a higher degree of multiple folding.

Properties Of PTFE

• Hydrophobic
• Low friction Coefficient
• High resistance toward corrosive materials
• Ease of machining
• Temperature strength
• Preventer of wear and tear
• Insulator of electricity and thermostatic environment

Applications Of PTFE

 PTFE is used in the following applications:

• Cookware: PTFE is known for its non-sticking and hydrophobic properties, which makes it a great contender for non-stick frying pans and a variety of other cookware. PTFE sealants are widely used for such properties.
• Liner: PTFE is extremely non-reactive due to its inertness derived from Fluorine atoms. These non-reactive inert traits benefit industries where corrosive and reactive acids and bases travel through pipelines. They are also used in substance-heavy containers and tanks and help store reactive fluids.

 Lubricants: The negative charges inherent in this fluorocarbon compound reduces its friction coefficient and make it slippery. Thus, PTFE enhances the smooth operation of machinery and reduces weathering of parts and components. This fluorocarbon compound plays a significant role in optimizing the consumption of energy.

Advantages Of PTFE

 PTFE is the most unique of all fluoro compounds ever to exist. It is widely referred to as the ancestor of fluoroplastics and is excellent for its differentiating characteristics. Its formidability lies in the following benefits:

• Highest temperature resistance of about 260-degree Celsius among all fluoroplastics
• Translucency and opaqueness
• High-performance capabilities in relation to its price
• High inertness and chemical resistance
• Non-stick properties
• Ease in installation
• Lubrication
• Relatively cheaper variety of PFAs and other fluorocarbons like FEPs

Disadvantages Of PTFE

 PTFE’s primary disadvantages lie in the following:

• Difficulty in processing
• Hard to manufacture in bulk
• Requires unconventional techniques for extruding and welding PTFE

Properties Of PFA

 PFA properties include:

• Non-stick properties
• Wide temperature range
• Low friction coefficient
• Flexibility of polymer
• High resistance to stress cracking
• High resistance towards corrosive solvents
• High thermal and electric resistance
• High dielectric strength
• Chemical stability

Applications Of PFA

 PFA is widely used in the following applications:

• Lab equipment: Due to its ample protection against chemical accidents, it is an extensively used material for plastic tools and equipment in chemistry labs as fluoropolymer labware supplies. Its transparency and flexibility are great contenders for testing and operations applications.
• Tubing: PFA is also used for pipeline tubing where corrosive fluids flow. PFA has substantial abilities for handling corrosive acids and bases in chemical-based industries.
• Sheet lining: It also acts as a safe lining replacement for tanks and containers
• FRP replacement:  Carbon steel fiber reinforced plastics serve as alternatives for other alloys, which are much more expensive. PFAs play a significant role in initiating and facilitating the use of FRPs.
• High grading applications: It is also ideal when the industry demands excellent purity and resistance to extreme temperatures and chemicals. They include medical tubing, semiconductors, pumps, valve liners, and heat exchangers.
• Other: Other applications include house fittings, filtrations, heat transfers, pump housings, and many more.

Advantages Of PFA

Perfluoralkoxy is highly regarded as a temperature-resistant version of other fluoroplastics like FEP. It has a lower melt processing viscosity than PTFE polymers and is characterized by the following advantages:

• Highest temperature resistance of about 260-degree Celsius among all fluoroplastics
• Effectiveness of conventional PTFE molding, extruding, and welding techniques
• Excellent chemical resistance
• High resistance to extreme temperatures and environmental conditions
• Bio-friendly alternative
• Availability of higher purity grades
• Transparency
• Sets performance standards in extreme chemical conditions
• Excellent permeability due to less void density
• Cold flow resistance (which facilitates deformation)

Disadvantages Of PFA

 PFA’s primary disadvantages are as follows:

• Very expensive than alternative substances
• Flex lifespan is less

Advantages of Using PTFE-Lined componentry

The biggest advantage of using PTFE-lined pipes is that they can stand the test of time and help avoid catastrophic disasters. Any failure that requires an entire system replacement, increases processing downtime and, most importantly, exposes work around the system to something as corrosive as the materials being conveyed through these pipes.

Carbon steel or stainless steel pipes can easily corrode with time and may let out highly corrosive and harmful acids. A PTFE lining is manufactured and fitted inside the pipes to avoid these hazardous occurrences.

Here are some of the advantages of using PTFE-lined pipes or PTFE Teflon pipes: 

• Due to the absence of corrosion, PTFE-lined pipes can last for a long time 
• These linings also offer a better working environment for those employed at companies where corrosive materials and hazardous acids are used. Because of these pipes, vapours and more do not escape and find their way to the system. 
• The cost of installation, maintenance, and repair can be minimised easily. 
• These pipes are more economical and useful because a wide variety of materials can be passed through these pipes. 
• It is non-stick and maintains abrasion and water-resistant qualities. 

If you’re looking to save up on your frequent exorbitant metal pipes replacement, install PTFE-lined pipes that can minimise your system costs to a minimum. Simply reach out to us or drop us an email at sales@australianminingservices.com.au for more details.