Fluoropolymers coating line

A typical fluoropolymer coating line has several pieces of equipment as summarized in Table 8.3 and illustrated in Fig. 8.18. 

Non-Metallic Materials Numerous engineering thermoplastics have been commercialised including materials such as polyetherether ketone (PEEK) and polyether sulphate (PES) with much improved thermal/chemical resistance. The usage of FRP equipment has increased, and fluoropolymer lining technology/applications have come of age. Of particular interest is the development of stoved, fluoropolymer coating systems for process industry equipment. 

Some parts might need to have a coating thickness less than what other lining processes can provide. These might include valves, tubes, pipes, and impellers. These parts may still need to be protected by a fluoropolymer coating. One of the best references is published by the Powder Coating Institute although other sources are also available. 

Stripes may be appHed to wire coated with ETEE fluoropolymer over DuLite 817-5002 fluoropolymer clear enamel or other bases. Thermally stable pigments are required. Stripes may be appHed by gravure-wheel-type appHcators and oven-cured in-line. 

PVDF exhibits the excellent resistance to harsh environments, characteristic of fluoropolymers. It is widely used in the chemical processing industry, in piping systems, vales, tanks (both molded and lined), and other areas where its combination of excellent mechanical properties and superb resistance to most chemicals make it an ideal material for fluid handling equipment. Increasingly important is use of PVDF as the base resin for long-life, exterior coatings on aluminum, steel, masonry, wood, and plastics. 

Spray and baked electrostatic powder coating of fluoropolymers, as described under thin linings, can also be applied as thick linings. One such lining is PVDF and glass, or carbon-fiber fabric. 

In 1985, Pennwalt reintroduced two fluoropolymers under the KYNAR trademark. These copolymers will broaden the KYNAR product line of high performance coatings. The two products were originally introduced in 1970 and 1973 respectively, but the market was not ready at that time for these products, and they were withdrawn in 1974. Now time has changed, and the market is ready for these products. The two new resins are called KYNAR SL and KYNAR ADS . 

The thermoplastic fluoropolymers also can be applied as coatings or linings by powder coating and rotational lining. Both processes can provide relatively thick, void-free fluoropolymer layers compared with coatings that can be achieved with PTFE dispersions. 

Holds worth GS, Dalgleish A. Plasma Advancement Expands Applications of Fluoropolymer Linings and Coatings in the Battle Against Corrosion. COMPOSITES 2001 Convention and Trade Show Composites Fabricators Association. October 3—6, 2001 Tampa, FL. 

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