PFA-Lined Valves for the Energy Sector

Corrosion-Resistant Flow Control for Hydrogen Production, Battery Manufacturing, and Hydrocarbon Processing

The energy transition demands equipment that handles aggressive chemicals across emerging and established industries. From alkaline electrolyzers producing green hydrogen to lithium-ion battery manufacturing and traditional oil and gas processing, corrosive media define the operating environment.

GFT9 PFA-lined valves provide the chemical resistance essential for reliable operation in hydrogen production facilities, battery component manufacturing, and refinery chemical service. Our products handle the concentrated caustics, organic solvents, and corrosive acids that characterize modern energy production.

Manufactured in Germany to DIN EN standards, GFT9 valves support both the energy transition and conventional energy production where chemical resistance determines equipment reliability.

Why Energy Sector Applications Require PFA-Lined Equipment

Energy production—whether conventional or emerging—involves aggressive chemical environments that exceed the capability of standard valve materials.

Green Hydrogen Production:

Alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) uses concentrated potassium hydroxide (KOH) electrolyte, typically 25-35% concentration at temperatures to 90°C. This hot caustic solution attacks stainless steel and many polymers. PFA and PTFE exhibit exceptional stability in contact with KOH at elevated temperatures, providing long lifetime and preventing impurity introduction that affects electrolyte performance.

The presence of oxygen in the electrolyte circuit creates additional challenges—combined caustic and oxidizing conditions that accelerate corrosion of conventional materials.

Lithium-Ion Battery Manufacturing:

Battery electrode manufacturing uses N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) to dissolve PVDF binders for cathode slurry production. NMP is an aggressive solvent that attacks many seals and polymers. Electrolyte production involves lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF₆), which reacts with moisture to form highly toxic and corrosive hydrofluoric acid (HF).

PFA provides complete resistance to NMP and excellent HF resistance—the only common polymer fully resistant to hydrofluoric acid.

Oil and Gas Processing:

Refineries and gas processing facilities handle hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), hydrochloric acid from crude distillation, and amine solutions for gas treating. H₂S causes sulfide stress cracking in carbon and alloy steels. Concentrated HCl corrodes stainless steel rapidly. PFA provides resistance to both corrosive chemicals.

Why PFA Excels Across Energy Applications:

  • Universal resistance to caustics, acids, and organic solvents
  • Complete HF resistance critical for battery manufacturing
  • No stress corrosion cracking unlike stainless steel in H₂S
  • Smooth surface prevents contamination in high-purity applications
  • Temperature capability to +180°C suits most energy processes

Applications Across Pharmaceutical Production

Energy sector applications span multiple process types, each requiring corrosion-resistant flow control. GFT9 products serve critical functions throughout these operations.

Alkaline Water Electrolysis (AWE) for Green Hydrogen

Electrolyzers split water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity from renewable sources. The alkaline process uses concentrated KOH as electrolyte. PFA-lined valves serve electrolyte circulation loops, where hot caustic (25-35% KOH at up to 90°C) circulates continuously. Hydrogen and oxygen product gas systems, where valves must handle wet gas with entrained caustic droplets, require corrosion-resistant materials.

Make-up water and chemical dosing systems, deionized water addition, and KOH concentration adjustment also benefit from PFA's chemical inertness. Cooling water and heat recovery circuits interface with the electrolyte system and require compatible materials.

The GFT9 product range supports electrolyzer OEMs and system integrators developing green hydrogen infrastructure.

Lithium-Ion Battery Manufacturing

Battery production involves multiple chemical handling stages. Cathode slurry preparation uses NMP solvent to dissolve PVDF binders. PFA-lined valves handle NMP transfer, mixing tank isolation, and coating line supply. Anode slurry systems similarly require chemical-resistant valve materials.

Electrolyte handling is particularly demanding. Lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF₆) in organic carbonate solvents must remain completely dry—moisture generates HF. PFA's moisture barrier properties and HF resistance make it suitable for electrolyte transfer and filling systems.

Solvent recovery systems concentrate and recycle NMP, requiring valves resistant to hot NMP vapor and condensate.

Oil and Gas Chemical Service

Refineries and gas plants contain numerous corrosive streams where PFA-lined valves provide extended service life.

Crude unit overhead systems handle wet HCl formed from chloride salts in crude oil. This dilute acid service corrodes carbon steel rapidly and attacks stainless steel at elevated temperatures.

Amine treating systems use MEA, DEA, or MDEA solutions to remove H₂S and CO₂ from gas streams. Rich amine solutions containing absorbed acid gases are corrosive, particularly at regenerator temperatures.

Sulfuric acid alkylation units use concentrated H₂SO₄ as catalyst. Acid circulation, settler systems, and acid rundown require materials resistant to concentrated sulfuric acid.

Sour water stripping and spent acid regeneration handle dilute acids with H₂S—combined corrosion and sulfide stress cracking challenges.

Boric Acid Systems (Nuclear)

Pressurized water reactor (PWR) systems use boric acid dissolved in primary coolant for reactivity control. While high-temperature primary circuit components require specialized materials, auxiliary systems handling concentrated boric acid solutions benefit from PFA's acid resistance. Chemical volume and control system (CVCS) components, boric acid storage and transfer, and sampling systems are application areas.

Note: Nuclear applications require extensive qualification. Contact our engineering team for nuclear-grade documentation requirements.

PFA-Lined Products for Energy Sector Applications

  • PFA Lined Control Valve NPS 1½ NPS 1½ - Valve with pneumatic multi-spring actuator for fast, cost-efficient operation. - High quality industrial valve by GFT9

    PFA-Lined Ball Valves – Spheron Series

    Full-bore ball valves with complete PFA lining for reliable isolation in aggressive energy sector service. The Spheron series features heavy-duty bodies with thick injection-molded PFA linings and multiple actuation options for automated plant control.

    Standard Series (Cast Carbon Steel Body 1.0619):
    Sizes: DN15 to DN200
    Pressure Rating: PN10/16
    Temperature Range: -20°C to +180°C
    Body: Cast Carbon Steel 1.0619 with epoxy exterior coating
    Operation: Manual lever, gear operator, pneumatic or electric actuator

    Clean Room Series (Stainless Steel Body 1.4408):
    For battery manufacturing clean room environments
    Temperature Range: -60°C to +180°C
    Enhanced surface finish on exterior
    Suitable for controlled environments

    For ATEX Zone Applications:

    Anti-static PFA (PFA-AS) variants available with conductive lining to prevent static charge accumulation when handling flammable organics or hydrogen-containing atmospheres.

    View Ball Valve Range View Control Valve Range 
  • PFA Lined Ball Check Valve  NPS 8 NPS 8 - On vertical mounting up to 60°, the center-guided ball closes the valve automatically. - High quality industrial valve by GFT9

    PFA-Lined Control Valves – Imperium Series

    For electrolyte circulation control, chemical dosing, and process regulation, the Imperium control valve series provides precise modulating control with full PFA corrosion resistance.

    Sizes: DN15 to DN100
    Pressure Rating: PN16/PN25
    Temperature Range: -10°C to +200°C
    Body: Stainless Steel 1.4408
    Characteristics: Linear, equal percentage, quick-opening

    The heavy-duty PFA bellows seal provides zero fugitive emissions—essential for hydrogen systems and hazardous chemical service.

    View Control Valve Range 
  • PFA Lined Sight Glass NPS_10 NPS_10 - Sight glass mounts vertically or horizontally for easy installation in any environment. - High quality industrial valve by GFT9

    PFA-Lined Check Valves – Vibron and Prohibron Series

    Backflow prevention in corrosive service with full PFA lining.

    Swing Check Valves (Vibron):
    Sizes: DN25 to DN200
    Low opening pressure, full-bore flow

    Ball Check Valves (Prohibron):
    Sizes: DN15 to DN150
    Compact design for dosing applications

    Temperature Range: -20°C to +180°C
    Body: Cast Carbon Steel 1.0619

    Applications include pump discharge protection in electrolyte circuits, chemical dosing systems, and process isolation.

    View Check Valve Range 
  • PFA Lined Strainer  NPS 6 (on request) NPS 6 (on request) - Main view - High quality industrial valve by GFT9

    PFA-Lined Strainers – Filtron Series

    T-pattern strainers with full PFA lining protect pumps, instruments, and downstream equipment from particulates while maintaining complete corrosion resistance.

    Sizes: DN25 to DN150
    Pressure Rating: PN16
    Temperature Range: -20°C to +180°C
    Body: Cast Carbon Steel 1.0619
    Screen Materials: PFA-coated stainless steel mesh

    Essential for protecting control valves, flowmeters, and injection systems. Clean electrolyte circulation in electrolyzer systems requires effective straining without chemical contamination.

    View Strainer Range 
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Technical Specifications for Hydrogen Applications

Technical Specifications

Size Range (DN) DN 15 – DN 200
Size Range (NPS) ½" – 8"
Pressure Rating (DIN) PN 16
Pressure Rating (ANSI) Class 150
Temperature Range -20°C to +180°C (-4°F to +356°F)
Extended range to -60 and +200°C on request
Body Material (Standard) 1.0619 , 1.4308, 1.4408/ A216WCB, CF8-M or CF-8
Body Material (Clean Room) -
Lining Material Virgin PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy)
Lining Thickness 2.5 – 4.0 mm depending on size
Face-to-Face Standard EN 558-1
Flange Standard (DIN) EN 1092-1
Flange Standard (ANSI) ASME B16.5
Certifications PED 2014/68/EU Module A2, ISO 9001:2015, EN 12266-1, TU-LUFT, SIL
Custom Engineering Available:
Special sizes, extended temperature ratings, and custom actuation available on request.

Chemical Compatibility

Chemical Compatibility

Chemical Formula Concentration Max Temp Rating

Potassium Hydroxide

KOH All concentrations to 50% 120°C

N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone

NMP (C₅H₉NO) Pure 100°C

Hydrofluoric Acid

HF All concentrations to 50% 100°C

Sulfuric Acid

H₂SO₄ All concentrations to 98% 120°C

Hydrochloric Acid

HCl All concentrations to 37% 120°C

Monoethanolamine

MEA (C₂H₇NO) All concentrations 80°C
Excellent Full resistance, suitable for continuous use Good Suitable for most applications Limited Verify for specific conditions

Quality Assurance and Documentation

Energy sector applications demand comprehensive documentation for process safety, environmental compliance, and equipment traceability. GFT9 provides complete quality assurance packages.

Manufacturing Standards:

Production to DIN EN standards
Pressure testing per EN 12266-1
Material traceability from raw material to finished product
ISO quality management systems

Documentation Packages:

EN 10204 Type 3.1 material certificates
PFA material certificates with batch identification
Pressure test certificates
Dimensional inspection reports
Declarations of conformity (CE marking)
ATEX certificates for hazardous area applications

Material Specifications:

Body materials: 1.0619 (cast carbon steel), 1.4408 (stainless steel)
Lining: Virgin PFA, minimum 2.5mm wall thickness
Anti-static PFA (PFA-AS) available for ATEX applications
Temperature range: -20°C to +180°C (1.0619) / -60°C to +180°C (1.4408)
Flange standards: DIN EN 1092-2, ANSI B16.5 available

For hydrogen service, we provide hydrogen compatibility statements and can support qualification for specific electrolyzer OEM requirements.

German Engineering for Critical Applications

  • Manufacturing Excellence:

    All GFT9 products are manufactured in Germany under strict quality control. Our facility in Kempen combines traditional valve manufacturing expertise with modern PFA lining technology, ensuring consistent quality across every component.

  • Documentation and Traceability:

    Hydrogen projects demand comprehensive documentation for safety compliance and operational records. GFT9 provides complete documentation packages including material certificates (EN 10204 3.1), test reports, declarations of conformity, and—for control valve projects—digital valve passports with QR code access to lifetime records.

  • Technical Support:

    Our engineering team understands the specific requirements of hydrogen applications. From initial specification review through commissioning support, we work alongside project teams to ensure our products meet exact application needs.

  • Flexible Delivery

    With standard products available from stock and custom solutions delivered within project timelines, GFT9 supports both urgent replacements and planned capital projects.

Discuss Your Energy Sector Requirements

Whether you're developing green hydrogen infrastructure, building battery manufacturing capacity, or maintaining refinery chemical systems, our technical team supports your project.

We work with electrolyzer OEMs and system integrators, battery cell and component manufacturers, refinery and gas plant operators, EPC contractors and engineering firms, and chemical system integrators.

Contact Options:

Email: sales@gft9.shop
Phone: +49 2152 9154990

We provide chemical compatibility verification, ATEX certification guidance, and application-specific recommendations.

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