The PVDF Piping Applications

Update:10-06-2019
Summary:Polyvinylidene fluoride or polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) is a highly non-reactive thermoplastic fluoropolymer produce...

Polyvinylidene fluoride or polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) is a highly non-reactive thermoplastic fluoropolymer produced by the polymerization of vinylidene difluoride. PVDF is a specialty plastic used in applications requiring the highest purity, as well as resistance to solvents, acids and hydrocarbons.

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), commonly referred to as Kynar, is a high molecular weight fluorocarbon that has superior abrasion resistance, dielectric properties and mechanical strength. These characteristics are maintained over a temperature range of -40 F to 250 F, with a limited usage range extended to 302o F. Kynar is highly resistant to wet or dry chlorine, bromine and other halogens, most strong acids, aliphatics, aromatics, alcohols and chlorinated solvents. Kynar is available from 1/2" to 6" in natural or red color. Typical applications include high purity water, chemical processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing and U.V. sensitive chemicals.

The polymer material polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) has been around commercially since 1964. What started out with targeted applications in the pulp and paper, nuclear and bromine industry has globally blossomed into millions of feet of PVDF piping and tubing, which is installed annually in chemical plant, offshore oil platform, underground fuel containment, high-purity semiconductor, biotech system, plenum-rated waste pipe, metal preparation, food- and beverage-handling, potable water, mining reclamation and wastewater treatment applications.

PVDF piping applications that incorporate special flame and smoke-resistant technology into the polymer are emerging as well, especially for plenum-rated corrosive waste pipe. Some grades of PVDF meet the strict ASTM E84 (UL 723) 25/50 rating criteria for flame and smoke values, thereby permitting the material to be used in any form in the return air plenum area of a building.