STORAGE & HANDLING 

 

 

A GUIDELINE FOR STORAGE AND HANDLING OF PLASTIC LINED PRODUCTS IN PP / PTFE / PFA / FEP & PVDF

 

Flared end faces of the plastic lined products like valves, pipe and fittings are protected with a plastic press fit cover or plywood face cover bolted to the flange for softer face materials like PTFE. These are not to be removed until installation as they are there to protect the face plastic from damage during storage, handling, and transportation.

 

For cases in which testing, or inspection is required before installation, flange protectors need to be reinstalled immediately after. Products are often shipped with a high performance, two or three component, or epoxy paint protective coating. Though sometimes supplied with normal primer, this is not ideal for outdoor exposure without a suitable topcoat or a mild corrosive environment.

Be sure not damage the plastic flare faces of these products when removing the end covers as this means the component would need to be relined or replaced. Avoid rough handling low temperatures as plastic may becomes brittle and more susceptible to cracking during rough handling or bending.

 

Do not put slings, chains or lifting equipment inside of the lined area when transporting or load/offload as this can damage the plastic liner. Lifting equipment like chains and slings should be used around the outside of the component lift rather than drag them.

Avoid dropping or impacting components with heavy objects or storing near high traffic areas. The centre of gravity for items like long face valves, pipes and fittings can be very deceptive. Use extra care in handling, transfer, and storage of the product to avoid sudden load shifting causing possible personal injury and/or product damage. 

 

All Plastic-lined components are not to be sand-blasted after lining as the pressure of blast this will damage the liner. The liner face is not to be forced forward to paint the face of the flange after the lining  has been done as this will cause damage to the sealing face.  Flange faces are often cleaned and primed before lining to prevent corrosion that might start from behind the lining.

If the exterior of the pipe is to be treated with a heat curable protective coating, this is to be done before lining is applied. Never apply heat to the component that is more than the liner’s maximum temperature rating.

Do not store Plastic lined components in temperatures below 20°C. Also avoid storing these components where they will be exposed to ultraviolet light for long periods of time, or severe conditions. Storage under cover is recommended.