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.