Arkema Develops Technology for Floating and Evaporation Control Devices

Arkema Inc. has developed technology to manufacture Kynar PVDF foam structures for floating protective and evaporation control devices. The technology is based on Arkema’s patent-pending Kynar foam technology. Kynar PVDF serves industrial needs where resistance is required against chemicals such as water, strong acids, strong oxidants, halogens, aromatic solvents, aliphatic solvents, hydrocarbons, and ozone.

Normally, Kynar PVDF would not float on liquids with a specific gravity below 1.7 g/cc.  Using this technology, the specific gravity of Kynar PVDF components is reduced to below 1.00 g/cc, allowing it to float on chemicals such as chromic, hydrochloric, nitric, phosphoric, sulfuric, citric, and hydrofluoric acids.  It can also be used for xylene, perchloroethylene, and other chlorinated solvents often used in metal plating industries.  In certain conditions, Kynar  PVDF “floats” could also be used with sodium hydroxide and other bases.

Industrial applications such as chrome and nickel plating, as well as aluminum coil stock pretreatment, use corrosive and toxic chemicals that require Kynar PVDF floats to cover the surface of tanks for a variety of reasons.  These floats act to minimize evaporation of the chemicals and reduce misting or spray of the chemicals from bursting air bubbles, reducing pollution as well as exposure of the chemicals.  Kynar PVDF floats can also serve as a barrier to reduce dust, dirt, insects, and other contaminants from landing in the tanks.  Since the product is foamed, it also acts as a thermal insulator to reduce heat loss in the tanks.  Depending on the specific application, it can have up to a 150°C temperature rating. Kynar PVDF floats are also suitable for long-term outdoor applications based on their resistance to UV rays.

Kynar PVDF floats are available in small cylinders so that they can easily maneuver upon the surface of the chemicals tanks as articles are dipped in and out of the tanks. Other applications include evaporation control for wastewater ponds, process water tanks, and miscellaneous chemical ponds.

For more information, visit Arkema.com