Piping Material and Metallurgy – Basic Guidelines for

Selection: Part-3 of 3
Continued from part 2…. To go to part 1 click here….. To go to part 2 click here
Fluoroplastics (PVDF, HALAR, PTFE, FEP, PFA)
Polyvinylidene Flouride (PVDF) is a strong, tough, abrasion resistant fluoroplastic material. Resists
distortion and retains strength up to 135°C (275°F). Ideal to handle wet and dry chlorine, bromine and
other halogen services. Also withstands most acids, bases and organic solvents. PVDF not
recommended for strong caustics. Best material for high purity piping such as deionized water.
Joining methods are thermal butt, socket or electrofusion.
Halar (ECTFE) Ethylene Chlorotrifluoro Ethylene is a very durable copolymer of ethylene and
chlorofluoroethylene. Excellent resistance to wide variety of strong acids, chlorine, solvents, aqueous
caustics. Excellent abrasion resistance, electric                 properties, low permeability, temp
capabilities from cryogenic to 170°C (340°F). Resistant to radiation. Halar has excellent application for
high purity                 hydrogen peroxide application. Joining by thermal butt fusion.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) PTFE offers most unique and useful characteristics of all plastic
materials. PTFE can handle liquids or gases up to 232°C         (450°F). PTFE flows and is used as
excellent sealant         material. Normally an opaque white material.
Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP) This fluoroplastic was invented by DuPont. Can be melt
extruded and fabricated by conventional methods which allows more flexibility in manufacturing.
Excellent dielectric and chemical resistance properties similar to PTFE. Use limited to temp between
-54°C (-65°F) to a maximum of 150°C (300°F). Has a glossy surface and transparent when in thin
section.    FEP is widely used for its high ultraviolet light transmitting ability.
Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) Similar to PTFE and FEP. Better properties than PTFE, permits conventional
thermoplastic molding and extrusion. Good flexibility for tubing purposes. Higher mech strength up to
260°C temp.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) A family of engineered thermoplastic with a range of
performance characteristics. Acrylonitrile imparts chemical resistance and      rigidity to this
thermoplastic. Butadiene endows it with impact strength and toughness. Styrene contributes to ease
of processing. Good for hostile environments like esters, ketones, alcohols and hydrocarbons up to
93°C (200°F).
Sulfone Polymers These are clear thermoplastics used in corrosive environments. Temp range up to
150°C (300°F). High resistance to acids, alkali, salt solution. Not suited for ketones, chlorinated
hydrocarbons             and aromatic hydrocarbons . Used a lot in flow meters and sight gauges
Forms of Sulfone Polymers
VITON – A fluoroelastomer compatible with many chemicals at varied temp ranges. Used for sealing
in valves, pumps and instruments. Excellent for mineral acids, salt solutions, chlorinated
hydrocarbons and petroleum oils. Maximum temp limit is 120°C (250°F).
EPDM  – Is a terpolymer elastomer made from ethylene-propylene-diene monomer. Good abrasion
and tear resistance. Excellent chemical resistance to a variety of        weak acids and alkalies. Not
recommended for applications involving petroleum oils, strong acids or alkalies. Maximum temp limit
is 100°C (212°F).
Nitrile BUNA-N– Nitrile rubber is a copolymer of butadiene and acrylonitrile. It has excellent
elastometric properties. It has excellent resistance to aliphatic hydrocarbons and aromatic solvents.
Excellent material for valve seating. Maximum temp limit is 100°C (212°F).
HYPALON – This is a DuPont registered name for its elastomer of chlorosulfonated polyethylene.
Used widely for valve seats and seals. Maximum temp limit is 100°C (212°F).
NEOPRENE – Is a chlorinated synthetic rubber used primarily as a seating and sealing surface for
valves. Maximum temp limit is 100°C (212°F).
NATURAL RUBBER – Is a polymer isoprene with the highest molecular weight. Derived from Hevea
(Rubber) tree. Used as diaphragm and sealing material                 because of its elastometric
properties and resistance to abrasion. Maximum temp limit is 100°C (212°F)
Thermoset Plastics
Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) is a highly valuable engineering material for piping and vessels
(epoxy glass fiber). Very vast industrial use because of low initial cost & low maintenance. Broad
range of chemical resistance. High strength to weight ratio. Ease of fabrication and flexibility in design.
Good electrical insulation properties. Can be used up to temp of 150°C (300°F). Such epoxy piping is
commonly used in oil,            mining and chemical industries.                 Sometimes used for steam
condensate systems. Used in industrial cooling towers. Also used in Chlorine gas, chlorine water and
brine services.
Reinforced Thermosetting Resin Pipe (RTRP) Vinylester resin epoxy based thermosetting resin
material cured by free polymerization. Better tensile strength, elongation and fatigue resistance.
Material has excellent alkali resistance of the epoxy and acid and oxidation chemical resistance of the
polymer. Used a lot in large bore sea water piping. Non-metallic piping material use generally
restricted to about 120°C (250°F). Check with vendor for specific application for services and
corrosion, sizes, fitting dimensions, jointing procedures, etc.
Typical Material/Service checks:
Caustic :              

 Always check NaOH or KOH concentration before material selection

 Use Baume’s scale (Caustic Cracking Curve RP0403) for reference
 Typical material is CS and PWHT is required
 Typical valve trim is monel
 If PWHT is not mandatory, do not allow steam out

Amine:

 Services include MEA (Mono Ethanolamine), DEA (Di Ethanolamine), DIPA (Di iso
propanolamine), DGA (Di Glycolamine), etc.
 Typical material is CS and PWHT is required
 Fresh amines do not cause SCC; PWHT not required, but if exposed to lean and rich amines,
they require PWHT
 Restrict fluid velocity to < 2 m/sec for CS
 Preferred valve trim is SS 316
 Use SS for higher velocity and temps

Wet H2S:

 If H2S concentration in water is > wt% 50 to 75 ppm, it is susceptible to SCC

 PWHT required and material hardness to be restricted to 200 BHN
 NACE MR-0103 valve are not required but acceptable. Many use NACE valves as a norm
 CS with 300 series SS trim is typical for valves
 Always consult client/process for specific metallurgy requirements

Hydrogen (API 910/941):             

 Hydrogen service defined as a combination of H2 partial pressure and temp above the curve
for CS per API 941
 Use Nelson’s Curve for material selection limits
 CS can be used up to 232°C
 232° to 330°C use 1.25Cr or 2.25Cr/Mo steel or Duplex steel
 330° to 400°C use SS 321
 400°C use SS 347 or Alloy 800
  For higher pressure rating (Class 600 & higher) valve casting inspection by radiography is a
must and may need to go for non standard valves – long lead item!!!
 Check for PWHT requirement for piping & NACE requirement for valve trim based on pp of
Hydrogen and wet H2S concentration

Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) – Concentration > 1ppm:

 Very critical and hazardous service

 Typical material is CS
 PWHT is normally required, restrict hardness to 200 BHN
 Use special precaution during purchase of piping components, shielding and color coding
 Strictly follow piping specifications

Chlorine (Dry and Liquid):

 Follow Chlorine Institute guidelines for material selection and design. Leakage is hazardous
 Strictly follow pipe specification requirements
 Ball valves with soft seats are typically used
 CS is normally used in liquid chlorine services
 PWHT is normally not required
 Exercise high precaution in purchase spec for piping components w.r.t. cleanliness, packing
and shipping requirements

Ammonia (Aqueous and Gaseous application):

 In aqueous (Ammonia with water) CS is commonly used material

 Strictly follow pipe specification requirements
 In gaseous service, low temp and cryogenic material and codes shall be used
 Do not use CS if temp is < -29°C

Oxygen (For concentration > 31%):

 CGA (Compressed Gas Association) standard shall be followed

 Strictly follow pipe specification requirements, special notes for design and material selection
 Commonly used material is CS, SS and Monel
 Velocity in pipe is a critical factor for material selection
 PTFE is preferred material as gasket filler and for valve stem packing
 Avoid threaded piping
 Cleanliness requirement very critical during material handling/shipping after fabrication