Summary for teflon tape methanol Discussion
Teflon tape reacts with methanol is the concern raised by Suresh Adabala Kumar sipchem, who asked whether Teflon tape differs from Teflon liquid sealant and whether high-temp and low-temp sealants matter in a methanol plant. James Watts of Navarre, Florida says there is no way the Teflon tape itself is reacting with methanol. He explains that Teflon pipe dope or liquid sealant is actually Teflon particles suspended in an organic dispersion, like a specialty grease, and that this carrier material could quite possibly react with methanol, leaving loose Teflon particles behind. His practical advice is that if methanol purity matters, the liquid sealant may contaminate the product, so the tape should be used instead. The thread does not give a detailed technical comparison of high- versus low-temperature sealants.
Q. What is the difference between teflon tape and Teflon liquid sealant? In my company we are not using Teflon tape we are using only liquid sealant please clarify in this regard? (ours is methanol plant)
Is there any difference between high temp sealant and low temp sealant?
Suresh Adabala Kumar
sipchem – KSA
2004
A. No way is Teflon tape reacting with methanol! Now, Teflon pipe dope is particles of Teflon in a dispersion of an organic material (similar to specialty grease) . This stuff quite probably will react with methanol, removing the matrix (greasy stuff) and leaving bare Teflon particles left with nothing to hold them in place. If you are manufacturing methanol, you should not be polluting your product. Use the tape.
James Watts
– Navarre, Florida