Abstract
With recent innovations and developments, PVDF electrostatically applied powder coatings can now achieve thicknesses from 2 to 10mm. There is significant opportunity for extending the service life of equipment in harsh chemical and abrasive applications with thick PVDF coatings. We have observed failures of traditional elastomeric, epoxy, FRP, and urethane linings and coatings where PVDF has greatly increased the service life of equipment such as mixers, agitators, vessels, and drum filters. Heretofore, this PVDF electrostatic coating technology was limited in scope due to poor adhesion, porosity and shrinkage. These problems have been overcome creating a very viable alternative to less chemical resistant materials for chemical and mineral processing. The advantages of a seamless, non-glued or welded lining are significant. PVDF fluorocarbon polymers possess a number of key advantages over other non-fluorinated materials and lining systems. The discussion and presentation of case histories illustrating these advantages and examples will be outlined in the paper.
Furthermore, with the utilization of thermal spray equipment PVDF can be applied in the field joining together traditional oven coated parts making it possible to join together very large rake arms and clarifier components. By careful steps in the coating process and also the use of corrosion resistant fillers the upper thicknesses achievable can be as high as 10mm. These filled and unfilled PVDF coatings are bonded and adhere to metal substrates in excess of 2000 PSI.
