Compatibility Database

Chemical Compatibility Guide

This chemical compatibility database is a free resource we have designed as a quick reference for determining the material compatibility of different chemicals. With this tool, you can easily cross-reference the compatibility of more than 600 chemicals with 40+ different materials.

Prior to installing any part of a media flowing system, it is important to determine the compatibility or possible reactivity between the chemicals and materials involved. Choosing the wrong parts can cause damage to your system, alter the chemicals running through it, or cause a hazardous situation.

Depending on the application, there are some common issues that should be taken into consideration. It’s also important to determine all of the wetted parts of each component that may come in contact with the chemicals. For instance, a brass solenoid valve is mainly composed of brass on the outside, but internally there are more wetted parts that could be exposed to your application's chemicals. Below are some common compatibility issues that can arise which could be easily avoided by checking our chemical compatibility matrix first.

Rubbers & Plastics

Exposure to different chemicals can cause rubbers and plastics to shrink or crack. Other chemicals may cause different types of rubbers to degrade, lose elasticity, swell, or even melt. Rubber, and sometimes plastic, is used to create a seal in many systems. Exposure to a chemical that can react with these seals puts your system at risk for leaks or completely malfunctioning.

Metals

The most common reaction some chemicals may have on different metals is corrosion. Corrosion is the biggest problem with any metal and can severely limit its useful life. Metals that are susceptible to severe corrosion can often be substituted with other types of metals or plastics which can be found in the drop downs above.

Using the Chemical Compatibility Chart

Select the chemical being used from the first dropdown above with the component(s)’s material from the second dropdown. Additionally, you may select an option from one drop-down, leaving the other blank, to see all compatible options based on the rating key below.

A – Excellent: The selected material is relatively or completely inert with the chemical you selected. This chemical will have little to no effects on the mechanical properties of your material.

B – Good: The selected material will have some chemical reactions to the selected chemicals, this can consist of discoloration or minimal corrosion. This chemical may have minor effects of the mechanical properties of your material.

C – Fair: The selected material is not recommended for continuous use. The selected chemical may cause softening, loss of strength or swelling and the lifespan of the mechanical properties will be significantly shortened. Finding a more compatible material is recommended.

D – Sever Effect: Do Not Use! The selected material will be severely affected by this chemical. There is little to no resistance to chemical attack, and this should not be used for any length of time.

E – Insufficient Data: The selected material and chemical combination has too few chemical compatibility test results available. We are unable to offer guidance for this combination, further testing and evaluation is necessary.

Temperature is a crucial factor of compatibility

There are many materials in our database that are compatible to certain temperatures and not compatible above those temperatures or not enough information exists. These are marked: with a “1”, Satisfactory to 72°F (22°C) or “2”, Satisfactory to 120°F (48°C).

If you see these next to our alphabetical rating more research should be conducted for use above those temperatures.

DISCLAIMER

Electricsolenoidvalves.com has compiled the information of this database to be a quick-reference guide for its users. Proper testing and research should be done prior to installing any components into a chemical system. The users should be aware of any variations that can affect the chemical compatibility such as, but not limited to, temperature, concentration, pressure, and/or chemical mixtures and combinations.

Electric Solenoid Valves does not warrant, expressed or implied, that the information in this chart is accurate or complete or that any material is suitable for any purpose. It's the installer’s responsibility to confirm compatibility.

CAUTION

Despite passing an initial compatibility and/or safety check, variations in handling may cause damage or equipment failure within your system. Some of these factors include variations in temperature, pressure, and concentrations.

It is important to always use proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) as well as proper ventilation when handling certain chemicals.