What is the maximum temperature that polypropylene can withstand?
Engineering and design criteria is available that permits the design of polypropylene equipment up to 100 C (212 F). Allegheny has designed tanks for hydrochloric acid pickling that have been operating in this temperature range continuously since 1988. However, the maximum operating temperature is a function of the solutions in the tanks, the size (depth) of the tank, and the ability to reinforce the tank to keep the design with in the allowable stress levels required. Because of the aggressive oxidizing effect of nitric/hydrofluoric acids, it is not recommended that this equipment be operated above 70 C (155 F). It is impractical to fabricate large diameter, deep cylindrical tanks at elevated temperatures because it is difficult to satisfactorily reinforce them.
