Why is Plastic Used in Fluid Handling Equipment?
Metal has long been the standard across the fluid handling industry, but plastics supply even greater benefits for a lower price. That’s why today, many forms of fluid handling equipment are made with plastic components. But what are some of these benefits, and how can plastic be a viable replacement for metal? You’ll be amazed at all that plastic can do!
Abrasion & Corrosion Resistant
Acrylic sheet and polypropylene are two popular plastics used to make plastic water pump parts like rotors, bushings, bearings, housings and gears. Both are resistant to many forms of wear and tear, including abrasions and corrosion due to the chemicals or other fluids passing through them. This helps equipment and parts last longer so facilities like water treatment plants undergo less downtime for maintenance and repairs. Corrosion is one of the biggest drawbacks of using metal — plastic’s resistance to this condition simply can’t be beaten.
Highly Hygienic
As we mentioned in our article about pharmaceutical plastic, it’s easy to sterilize and sanitize plastics using even the most abrasive chemicals without worrying about the equipment breaking down. This is important for the equipment itself, as well as the fluids it carries. Plastic pumps can provide extremely high purity fluid storage and transport, which makes monitoring and control processes easier for operators.
Insulation & Flame Resistance
Plastic is a much better insulator than metal, so if hot fluids are being transported, you won’t have to worry about your fluid handling equipment sweating flammable liquids. But even if burning does occur, plastic has a high level of flame and heat resistance, so your equipment would not be severely damaged if the problem is quickly addressed.
Doesn’t Leach/Absorb Impurities
Plastic pumps are also popular because they don’t contain any impurities that might leach into water and contaminate it, skewing the readings. Additionally, the plastic will not absorb any impurities from the water, chemicals or other fluids passing through it. The parts may need to be sanitized now and then, but they can easily be sterilized using either clean-in-place (CIP) or sanitize-in-place (SIP) methods.
Cost-Effective
Plastics are easy to manufacture into a variety of shapes, including custom parts made specifically for your fluid handling equipment. It’s easy and inexpensive to create replacements and, once the parts are in place, they’ll last a long time due to their sturdiness. Thanks to their insulating properties, plastics can even help facilities become more energy efficient, saving money on utility bills as well. Overall, plastics can help reduce material, labor and energy costs to keep your facility running smoothly and your customers happy.
Learn More About Fluid Handling Plastics
Think fluid handling plastic might be just the material for your job? We think so, too! Keep learning about the many different uses and benefits of plastic, or contact us today so we can help you find the best solution for your project.
Why Choose A&C Plastics?
Our commitment to order accuracy and customer service will help you get exactly what you need right when you need it.
You can count on us to help you get the job done.
Every Color Imaginable
We have more than 200 different colors of acrylic sheets in our warehouse and our expert staff is always ready to help.
learn more
Oversized Sheets
Big projects call for big materials. Our warehouse is home to some of the largest sheets in the plastics industry.
learn more
No Project Too Large or Too Small
We work hard to meet your expectations on every level. Let A&C Plastics deliver for you.
learn more
Custom Cutting Capabilities
We can perform cut-to-size orders with tight tolerances of 1/32 inch.
learn more
Questions? Contact Our Experts Today
Our team is here to help you. If we don't have what you need in-stock or in the options you need, our plastic experts will find it!
Give us a call, or fill out the form and one of our experts will be in touch soon!
