What is PFA tubing? What are its tube material characteristics?

PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy) tubes are manufactured by melt extrusion of PFA resin and are known for their excellent physical and chemical properties. Widely used in industries such as chemicals, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and electronics, here is a detailed introduction to their specifications, applications, and characteristics.

1. Specifications

Metric Specifications

• Common sizes (Inner Diameter * Outer Diameter):
  • 24mm, 35mm, 46mm, 57mm, 6*8mm
  • 810mm, 812mm, 912mm, 1012mm
  • 1214mm, 1416mm, 1618mm, 1820mm, 20*22mm

Imperial Specifications

• Common sizes (Inner Diameter * Outer Diameter):
  • 1/8 inch (1.6*3.2mm)
  • 1/4 inch (3.96*6.35mm)
  • 3/8 inch (6.35*9.525mm)
  • 1/2 inch (9.5*12.7mm)
  • 3/4 inch (15.88*19.05mm)
  • 1 inch (22.2*25.4mm)

2. Characteristics

1. Wide Temperature Range: The operating temperature range of PFA tubes is from -80°C to +260°C. Compared to PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), PFA has better stress relaxation and compressive strength, with high tensile strength and elongation of 100%-300%, offering good mechanical properties.

2. Superior Electrical Properties: PFA tubes offer excellent insulation with a dielectric constant of 2.1. Even if the surface is damaged by arc discharge, no conductive track forms. PFA tubes are also highly resistant to radiation, making them ideal for high-frequency and high-voltage applications.

3. Low Friction and Anti-Adhesion: PFA has one of the lowest friction coefficients among plastics, and the inner wall of the tube is smooth, preventing media from sticking, making it ideal for pure fluid environments.

4. Chemical Resistance: PFA tubes exhibit exceptional resistance to virtually all chemicals, making them perfect for transporting high-purity chemicals, fuels, oils, and ultrapure water in corrosive and high-purity environments.

5. Mechanical Strength and Durability: PFA tubes have excellent resistance to stress cracking and bending fatigue. They maintain strong mechanical strength and burst pressure even at high temperatures, with extremely low metal ion content, making them suitable for harsh environments.

6. High Transparency: PFA tubes have a low refractive index, providing excellent transparency among plastics. This allows for clear visual inspection of the fluid flow inside, especially useful in applications requiring visual monitoring.

3. Applications

PFA tubes are widely used in several high-demand industries, particularly where chemical resistance, high temperature, and purity are required. Common applications include:

1. Corrosion-Resistant and Wear-Resistant Tubing: Used in chemical, pharmaceutical, and food industries to transport corrosive media and to manufacture wear-resistant and anti-friction components, insulation tubing, and medical device parts.

2. High-Temperature Insulation for Wires and Cables: Commonly used in high-temperature environments for wire and cable insulation, cable sheathing, anti-corrosion equipment, pump and valve linings, and chemical container piping.

3. Semiconductor Cleaning Systems: PFA tubes are used in semiconductor manufacturing for cleaning equipment, heat exchangers, and steam piping, ensuring the safe transport of high-purity chemicals.

4. Colors

• Transparent: Most common, allows easy observation of fluid flow inside, suitable for high-purity and high-clarity applications.
• Opaque White: Often used for UV protection, ideal for light-sensitive chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
• Custom Colors: Blue, red, green, etc., can be customized for distinguishing different piping systems or fluid types.

5. Conclusion

With its excellent thermal resistance, chemical corrosion resistance, electrical insulation, and mechanical strength, PFA tubes are suitable for fluid transport in various complex and demanding environments. Their wide range of metric and imperial sizes, along with customizable colors, make them an ideal choice for applications requiring high purity and high performance.