Chemical Compatibility

Ensuring that materials are chemically resistant to specific chemicals is crucial for optimal performance and safety in fluid handling systems. At AxFlow, we provide solutions by selecting the most reliable fluid handling equipment. Chemical resistance is an important factor in this process, ensuring that materials perform safely and efficiently when exposed to different chemicals. Our advanced chemical compatibility checker helps select materials that meet both performance and safety requirements.

Chemical Compatibility Checker

Select Chemical:

Select Material:

Compatibility Result:

Material	Rating	Description
Compatibility rating will appear here.

Rating Descriptions:
5 - Excellent: No or negligible effect.
4 - Good: Minor effect, not recommended for continuous use.
3 - Fair: Moderate effect, limited performance.
2 - Poor: Severe effect, not recommended for any use.
1 - Incompatible: Unacceptable, material will fail.

Chemical Resistance in Fluid Handling Systems

Materials exposed to aggressive chemicals can break down, leading to leaks, breakdowns, and expensive repairs. The right material selection helps your equipment resist damage from a variety of chemicals like hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, acetone, methanol, and sodium hydroxide, which are commonly used in industries such as chemical processing, oil & gas, water treatment, and plastics manufacturing. Understanding how well materials in pumps, valves, and seals resist these chemicals is essential for keeping your systems running smoothly.

Chemical Compatibility and Its Importance

Chemical compatibility refers to how well a material holds up when exposed to specific chemicals. If a material is not chemically compatible, it can swell, crack, or lose strength, causing equipment failures. This often leads to unplanned downtime, costly repairs, and safety issues. Choosing materials that can handle the chemicals they’ll come into contact with helps prevent leaks, contamination, and breakdowns, keeping operations on track.

Maximizing Performance and Longevity

For plant managers and maintenance teams, selecting the right material improves not only equipment performance but also its lifespan. By choosing materials that resist the chemicals in your systems, you can reduce wear and tear, boost operational efficiency, and lower maintenance costs.

Selecting Materials for chemical compatability

When designing fluid handling systems, material selection plays a critical role in ensuring optimal performance, durability, and safety. The right materials can prevent system failure, reduce maintenance costs, and maximize operational efficiency, especially in environments where aggressive chemicals, high pressures, and extreme temperatures are common. Below is a breakdown of materials that provide the best solutions for these demanding applications.

Metals and Alloys

Cast Iron: A robust, cost-effective choice for fluid handling systems, cast iron excels in strength and wear resistance. However, it has limited corrosion resistance, which makes it less suitable for harsh chemical environments compared to stainless steel alloys.
Stainless Steel 304 & 316: Stainless steel is widely used due to its excellent corrosion resistance, especially in environments exposed to corrosive fluids. 304 offers good protection in most industrial environments, while 316 provides superior resistance to chlorides and acidic chemicals, making it ideal for more aggressive applications in industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.
Hastelloy C: This high-performance alloy is known for its exceptional resistance to extreme chemical environments, especially those involving high acidity or temperatures. Hastelloy C is commonly used in chemical processing and aerospace applications, where materials are exposed to aggressive solvents and corrosive gases.

Elastomers and Rubber Materials

Viton (FKM): As one of the most chemically resistant elastomers, Viton performs excellently in sealing applications exposed to acids, oils, and solvents. It is ideal for high-temperature environments and chemical processing industries, where reliable seals are essential for preventing leaks and ensuring system integrity.
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer): Known for its resistance to ozone, UV exposure, and a wide range of chemicals such as acids and alkalis, EPDM is widely used in seals, gaskets, and hoses for water treatment, steam systems, and various chemical processing applications.
Neoprene: Offering a balanced combination of chemical resistance and temperature stability, Neoprene is often used in general-purpose seals and gaskets. Its versatility makes it suitable for fluid handling systems in both industrial and automotive sectors.
Natural Rubber: More cost-effective than other elastomers, natural rubber offers excellent flexibility and resilience, making it ideal for low-impact applications involving water or less aggressive chemicals.

High-Performance Thermoplastics

PTFE (Teflon): Widely regarded for its exceptional resistance to virtually all chemicals, PTFE is ideal for seals, gaskets, and lining applications in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and food processing industries. Its inertness and high-temperature resistance make it an indispensable material in fluid handling.
PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone): Known for its high strength, thermal stability, and outstanding chemical resistance, PEEK is perfect for high-pressure and high-temperature applications in industries like automotive, chemical processing, and aerospace. It provides long-lasting performance in extreme conditions.
Hytrel: A thermoplastic elastomer that combines excellent mechanical properties and chemical resistance, Hytrel is commonly used in industrial applications requiring high durability, such as seals and gaskets in pumps and valves.

Advanced Fluoroelastomers and Specialty Materials

For applications requiring the highest levels of chemical resistance and temperature stability, fluoroelastomers like Kalrez and Chemraz offer the best performance. These materials can withstand extreme temperatures, aggressive chemicals, and high pressures, making them ideal for sealing applications in aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemicals.

Silicone is also a key material for fluid handling systems, particularly in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. It offers excellent temperature stability, making it ideal for seals and gaskets where non-reactivity and biocompatibility are crucial.