The Evolution of High Purity Chemical Containment
Published on: November 19, 2024 Topics: LiningsMany industries, from semiconductor fabrication to aerospace components and medical devices, increasingly require high purity chemicals and fluids during processing. This demand for containment and purity drives innovation across industries charged with containment for holding or transporting high purity liquids. Electro Chemical Manufacturing (ECM) offers these industries nearly four decades of crafting fluoropolymer-lined chemical containment systems that safeguard ultra-pure chemicals from their point of origin to their final application.
ECM’s journey has been one of continuous innovation, anticipating and meeting the ever-increasing demands for purity in critical manufacturing processes
Continuing a legacy of innovation for high purity linings
When ECM began serving ultra-pure market sectors, the concept of parts-per-trillion (ppt) purity was barely on the horizon. Today, many of our original chemical containment systems are still in operation, meeting and exceeding these once-unimaginable standards. This longevity is a testament to our commitment to quality and foresight in design.
Our philosophy of continuous improvement drives us to create containment systems that meet today’s stringent requirements and are capable of supporting industry needs through multiple generations of technological advancement.
Versatility applying high purity container linings
High volume facilities require large amounts of high purity fluids. It requires specialized expertise to provide secure linings to large containers while maintaining purity standards. Electro Chemical Manufacturing offers this specialized expertise to offer tailored solutions for a comprehensive range of chemicals containers, including:
- Tank Trailers: Engineered for safe road transport of high purity chemicals, these trailers feature robust linings that withstand the rigors of long-distance travel while maintaining chemical integrity.
- ISO Containers: Designed for intermodal transport, these standardized containers are lined to ensure global compatibility and consistent purity across various modes of shipping.
- Rail Cars: Our lined rail cars offer large-volume transport solutions, ideal for industries requiring bulk quantities of ultra-pure chemicals over long distances.
- Storage Tanks: From small-scale to massive industrial capacities, our lined storage tanks provide stable, long-term containment for a variety of high purity chemicals.
- Day Tanks: These smaller, strategically placed containers ensure a ready supply of pure chemicals for daily operations, featuring linings that maintain purity even with frequent access.
Each of these applications requires a deep understanding of chemical properties, transportation regulations and industry-specific needs. Our team of experts considers factors such as chemical reactivity, temperature fluctuations, pressure requirements and regulatory compliance when designing and implementing lining solutions. This comprehensive approach ensures that whether a chemical is being transported across continents or stored on-site, its purity and the safety of those handling it are never compromised.
Deep knowledge of polymer science
The cornerstone of effective high purity chemical containment lies in the selection of appropriate lining materials. Conducting extensive research and devoting decades of practical experience in polymer applications enables our staff to match each unique chemical environment with its ideal containment solution. This expertise helps customers navigate the complex interplay between chemical reactivity, temperature resistance, and mechanical properties of various fluoropolymers.
ECM offers a variety of materials to suit different chemical environments:
- PFA (Perfluorooalkoxy Copolymer)
- PTFE-M (Modified Polytetrafluoroethylene)
- PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride Copolymer)
- FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene Copolymer)
- ECTFE (Ethylene Chlorotrifluoroethylene Coplymer)
- ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene Coplymer)
Each material is available in various thickness, allowing for cutomization based on specific application requirements.
Meeting global standards with tailored, high purity containment solutions
Our lining systems aren’t just effective; they’re compliant. The lining systems installed at ECM meet all ISO, IMO, US DOT, and ASME Standards for the transport and storage of bulk chemicals. This ensures that our clients can operate with confidence, knowing their containment solutions are up to code wherever they do business.
Whether you need a small day tank or a massive rail car, ECM has you covered. Our containment vessels range from compact 455-liter day tanks to enormous 190,000-liter stationary tanks. Our company offers both turnkey solutions and the option to install our ultra high purity lining systems in steel vessels from outside providers.
However, prior to any lining installation for customers opting to use their own vessels, the importance of proper steel preparation cannot be overemphasized. This is a critical step that ensures the longevity and effectiveness of the lining system. Find detailed guidelines in our Electro Technical Bulletin No. 1, available for free download.
Looking to the future of fluoropolymer linings
As industries continue to increase usage of aggressive chemicals that require high purity containment, Electro Chemical Manufacturing remains committed to staying ahead of the curve. By globally sourcing our lining materials and continuously refining our processes, our customers enjoy the highest performing lining systems available anywhere.
In an era where chemical purity can mean the difference between success and failure, trust in a partner with a proven track record. Whether you’re in semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, or any industry requiring ultra-pure chemicals, ECM is here to ensure your products remain uncompromised from start to finish.
Contact us today to explore how our chemical containment solutions can support your pursuit of perfection.
| Common Industry Name | Full Chemical Name | Standard Lining Thicknesses |
|---|---|---|
| PFA | Perfluoroalkoxy Copolymer | 1.5 mm (60 mil), 2.3 mm (90 mil), 2.8 mm (110 mil) |
| PTFE-M | Modified Polytetrafluoroethylene | 2.5 mm (98 mil), 3.2 mm (125 mil) |
| PVDF | Polyvvinylidene Fluoride Copolymer | 1.5 mm (60 mil), 2.3 mm (90 mil), 3.0 mm (118 mil) |
| FEP | Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene Copolymer | 1.5 mm (60 mil), 2.3 mm (90 mil) |
| E-CTFE | Ethylene Chlorotrifluoroethylene Copolymer | 1.5 mm (60 mil), 2.3 mm (90 mil) |
| ETFE | Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene Copolymer | 1.5 mm (60 mil), 2.3 mm (90 mil) |
Chemical Containment Transport Vessels and Containers
| Container Type | Standard Capacity Ranges |
|---|---|
| Rail Car | 50,000 – 80,000 liters (13,000 – 21,000 gallons) |
| Tank Trailer | 13,000 – 23,000 liters (3,500 – 6,000 gallons) |
| iso-Container | 10,000 – 20,000 liters (2,650 – 5,300 gallons) |
| Day Tank | 455 – 2,270 liters ( 120 – 600 gallons) |
| Stationary Tank | 750 – 190,000 liters (200 – 45,000 gallons) |
