PFA-Lined Valves for Mining and Hydrometallurgical Operations

Corrosion-Resistant Flow Control for Acid Leaching, Solvent Extraction, and Metal Recovery

Hydrometallurgical mining operations extract valuable metals through chemical processes that subject equipment to severe corrosion. Concentrated sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, organic extractants, and metal-laden solutions destroy conventional valve materials within weeks—creating safety hazards, environmental risks, and costly production downtime.

GFT9 PFA-lined valves provide the chemical resistance essential for reliable operation in acid leaching circuits, solvent extraction plants, and electrowinning facilities. Our products serve copper, nickel, cobalt, zinc, and precious metals operations worldwide, handling the aggressive chemicals that define modern hydrometallurgy.

Manufactured in Germany to DIN EN standards, GFT9 valves deliver proven performance where equipment reliability directly impacts production economics.

View Full Product Range

Why Hydrometallurgical Operations Require PFA-Lined Equipment

Metal extraction through hydrometallurgical processes combines multiple corrosion challenges that exceed the capability of standard valve materials.

The Hydrometallurgical Environment:

Acid leaching uses concentrated mineral acids—typically sulfuric acid at 50-200 g/L, or hydrochloric acid—to dissolve target metals from ore. These solutions attack stainless steel, corrode carbon steel rapidly, and degrade most polymers.

Solvent extraction employs organic extractants (such as LIX, Cyanex, or Versatic acid) mixed with hydrocarbon diluents. These organic phases dissolve elastomer seals and attack many plastics.

Metal-laden solutions contain dissolved copper, nickel, cobalt, or zinc sulfates in acidic matrices—combining corrosion with the potential for scaling and deposition.W

Why PFA Excels in Mining Applications:

PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy Alkane) provides exceptional resistance across the full spectrum of hydrometallurgical chemicals:

• Complete resistance to sulfuric acid at all concentrations used in leaching
• Unaffected by hydrochloric and nitric acids
• Resistant to organic extractants and hydrocarbon diluents
• Handles metal sulfate solutions without degradation
• Smooth, non-porous surface prevents scale accumulation
• Temperature capability to +180°C suits atmospheric leaching circuits

Important Temperature Note:

GFT9 PFA-lined valves are rated for continuous service up to +180°C (standard series). For high-pressure acid leaching (HPAL) autoclaves operating at 225-250°C, titanium alloys are typically specified. Our valves serve the feed preparation, cooling, and downstream processing stages where temperatures remain within PFA operating limits.

Applications Across Pharmaceutical Production

Hydrometallurgical operations span multiple unit processes, each requiring corrosion-resistant flow control. GFT9 products serve critical functions throughout these circuits.

Atmospheric Acid Leaching

Heap leach and agitated leach operations dissolve metals using sulfuric acid at temperatures from ambient to 100°C. PFA-lined valves handle pregnant leach solution (PLS) transfer, acid dosing, and raffinate return lines. The inert PFA surface prevents contamination that affects downstream metal recovery.

Solvent Extraction (SX)

Mixer-settler or column extraction systems separate and concentrate target metals using organic extractants. PFA-lined valves excel in both aqueous and organic phases:
• Loaded organic transfer between stages
• Aqueous raffinate routing
• Settler interface control
• Strip solution handling

The smooth PFA surface prevents extractant buildup that reduces valve performance and contaminates process streams.

Electrowinning

Electrowinning circuits recover pure metals from concentrated solutions. PFA-lined valves control electrolyte flow to cathode cells, handling hot acidic solutions containing dissolved metal sulfates. Chemical resistance prevents the corrosion that would introduce impurities into the metal product.

Reagent Dosing Systems

Precise chemical dosing controls leaching efficiency, pH adjustment, and impurity removal throughout the process. PFA-lined ball valves and strainers handle:
• Concentrated acid addition
• Lime slurry for neutralization
• Flocculant injection
• Oxidant dosing (hydrogen peroxide, oxygen)

Tailings Treatment

Environmental compliance requires neutralization and treatment of acidic tailings before discharge. PFA-lined valves serve lime dosing, pH control, and treated effluent systems where reliability prevents environmental incidents.

PFA-Lined Products for Mining 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 mining service. The Spheron series features heavy-duty bodies with thick injection-molded PFA linings and multiple actuation options for automated plant control.

    Standard Series (Ductile Iron Body):
    • Sizes: DN15 to DN200
    • Pressure Rating: PN10/16
    • Temperature Range: -20°C to +180°C
    • Body: Ductile Iron GGG40.3 with epoxy exterior coating
    • Operation: Manual lever, gear operator, pneumatic or electric actuator

    For ATEX Zone Applications:
    Anti-static PFA (PFA-AS) variants available with conductive lining to prevent static charge accumulation when handling flammable organic extractants.

    View Ball Valve RangeView 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 Swing Check Valves – Vibron Series

    Fully lined check valves prevent backflow and protect pumps from reverse flow damage in corrosive service.

    • Sizes: DN25 to DN200
    • Pressure Rating: PN10/16
    • Temperature Range: -20°C to +180°C
    • Body: Ductile Iron GGG40.3
    • Design: Wafer style for compact installation

    Applications include pump discharge protection in acid circuits, gravity flow control, and isolation of process equipment.

    For ATEX Zone Applications:
    Anti-static PFA (PFA-AS) variants available with conductive lining to prevent static charge accumulation when handling flammable organic extractants.

    View Swing Check 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 Strainers – Filtron Series

    Y-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: Ductile Iron GGG40.3
    • Screen Materials: PFA-coated stainless steel mesh

    Essential for protecting control valves, flowmeters, and injection systems in mining applications.

    For ATEX Zone Applications:
    Anti-static PFA (PFA-AS) variants available with conductive lining to prevent static charge accumulation when handling flammable organic extractants.

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

    PFA-Lined Sight Glasses – Videron Series

    Visual monitoring of process flow and solution color without exposing glass to corrosive media.

    • Sizes: DN25 to DN150
    • Pressure Rating: PN10/16
    • Window Material: Borosilicate glass (DIN 7080)
    • Body: Ductile Iron GGG40.3 or Stainless Steel 1.4408

    Applications include flow verification, solution color monitoring (important for copper SX), and level indication.

    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: Ductile Iron GGG40.3
    • Screen Materials: PTFE mesh

    Essential for protecting control valves, flowmeters, and injection systems in mining applications.

    For ATEX Zone Applications:
    Anti-static PFA (PFA-AS) variants available with conductive lining to prevent static charge accumulation when handling flammable organic extractants.

    View Sight Glass Range 
1 4

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

Sulfuric Acid

 H₂SO₄ All concentrations to 98% 120°C

Hydrochloric Acid

 HCl All concentrations to 37% 120°C

Nitric Acid

 HNO₃ All concentrations to 70% 80°C

Copper Sulfate Solution

 CuSO₄ Saturated 100°C

Nickel Sulfate Solution

 NiSO₄ Saturated 100°C

Sodium Hydroxide

 NaOH All concentrations to 50% 120°C

PFA provides excellent resistance to organic extractants including LIX, Cyanex, and Versatic acid series. For ATEX zone applications handling flammable organics, specify anti-static PFA (PFA-AS) variants. Contact us for specific extractant formulations.

Excellent Full resistance, suitable for continuous use Good Suitable for most applications Limited Verify for specific conditions

Quality Assurance and Documentation

Mining operations require rigorous documentation for process validation, safety compliance, and equipment traceability. GFT9 provides comprehensive quality assurance.

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)

Material Specifications:

Body materials: GGG40.3 (ductile iron), 1.4408 (stainless steel)
Lining: Virgin PFA, minimum 2.5mm wall thickness
Temperature range: -20°C to +180°C (standard), -60°C to +150°C (clean room)
Flange standards: DIN EN 1092-2, ANSI B16.5 available

Read the Full Project Story →

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.
About GFT9

Discuss Your Mining Project Requirements

Whether you're specifying equipment for a new hydrometallurgical facility, upgrading existing acid circuits, or sourcing replacement valves for maintenance, our technical team supports your project.

We work with:
• Mining companies and mineral processors
• EPC contractors and engineering firms
• Maintenance and procurement teams
• Equipment distributors

Contact Options:

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

We provide chemical compatibility verification for your specific process media and operating conditions.

Request Quotation →

Collections

1 3