Carbon-Filled PTFE & Teflon Gaskets for Hydrogen Fluoride Applications
Posted on 01/15/25
The Critical Role of Hydrogen Fluoride in Chemical Processing
Hydrogen fluoride is a critical, yet hazardous component in various chemical processing applications, such as gasoline production, specialty metal manufacturing, glass etching and polishing, stainless steel pickling, and semiconductor preparation. When combined with water, hydrogen fluoride forms hydrofluoric acid, a highly corrosive substance that poses serious safety risks if not handled properly.
Because of its aggressive nature, sealing applications involving hydrogen fluoride can be challenging. Only a limited range of gasket materials can ensure a safe, reliable seal in these environments. Among them, carbon-filled PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) gaskets are renowned for their superior compression, wear resistance, and overall effectiveness in sealing pipe flanges, heat exchangers, and vessel openings in hydrogen fluoride applications.
Why Durlon® 9400 Is the Ideal Gasket for Hydrogen Fluoride Applications
Durlon® 9400, a high-performance, carbon-filled PTFE gasket, is specifically engineered for applications where resistance to highly aggressive chemicals, such as hydrofluoric acid, is essential. The carbon filler enhances its mechanical properties, making it an optimal choice for even the most corrosive environments.
Key Physical Properties of Durlon® 9400:
- Temperature Range: -350°F to 550°F, with a continuous maximum operating temperature of 500°F.
- Pressure Tolerance: Maximum pressure rating of 1,500 psi.
- Compressibility and Recovery: Offers a compressibility range of 5-12% and a recovery rate of 40%, ensuring a secure and adaptable seal.
- Chemical Compatibility: Excellent resistance to hydrogen fluoride and other aggressive chemicals, providing a durable and long-lasting sealing solution.
- Certifications: Compliant with RoHS and REACH declarations and approved by HFIPI (Hydrogen Fluoride Industry Practices Institute) for materials of construction.
Durlon® 9400 is engineered to endure the harshest exposure to hydrogen fluoride, providing superior sealing properties while maintaining durability and flexibility. It is also a preferred choice for applications such as anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (AHF) in railroad tank cars and serves as an excellent alternative in plants where barium sulfate-filled PTFE may not be suitable(9400 data sheet).
The Challenge of Sourcing Compatible Gaskets
Finding the right gasket material for hydrogen fluoride applications can be a daunting task. Due to their specialized nature, carbon-filled PTFE gaskets are not widely produced. Only a few manufacturers create these gaskets, often in limited batches. This scarcity, combined with increasing demand, has driven prices upward, making it challenging for end-users to secure a reliable supply at a reasonable cost.
GRI’s Commitment to Quality and Availability
At Gasket Resources Inc. (GRI), we understand the importance of having the right gasket material available when needed. To address this challenge, GRI offers Durlon® 9400 carbon-filled PTFE gaskets as a perennially stocked item. Our dedication to maintaining a consistent inventory allows us to provide you with reliable, high-quality gasket solutions even as demand increases.
Why Choose Durlon® 9400 from GRI?
- Year-Round Availability: Durlon® 9400 is always in stock, ensuring you have access to the right gasket material whenever required.
- Fast Nationwide Shipping: We ship nationwide within 24-48 hours, minimizing downtime and keeping your operations running smoothly.
- Large Gasket Solutions: For applications requiring large gaskets, we utilize a proprietary welding process to manufacture one-piece Durlon® 9400 gaskets with an outside diameter exceeding 60 inches.
Helping You Choose the Right Gasket
When you partner with GRI, you gain more than just a reliable supply of replacement parts. We provide access to a comprehensive suite of online resources and technical support to help you select the best gasket material for your specific needs. Our free online chemical compatibility tool simplifies the process of finding the right gasket for the chemicals you are working with, empowering you to make informed decisions.
Conclusion
GRI is committed to providing top-quality, carbon-filled PTFE gaskets like Durlon® 9400 for safe and reliable sealing in hydrogen fluoride and other aggressive chemical environments. With our year-round stock and fast shipping, you can count on GRI to meet your gasket needs, ensuring that your operations remain safe and efficient.
Visit our website to learn more about Durlon® 9400 and explore our full range of gasket solutions designed to meet the needs of the chemical processing industry.