The Use of Polypropylene and Concrete in Flue Gas Scrubbers

The use of thermoplastic materials in the chemical industry has developed a new technology for the handling of polypropylene lining material in chemical aggressive media related to gas scrubbers. Corrosion protection systems particularly in the sector of flue gas desulfurization units, are decisive factor to ensure safety and continuous operation of the scrubber without failure. Steuler developed a lining system known as polypropylene, which consist of large size thermoplastic sheets made out of polypropylene with a thickness of 5 to 8 mm. One side of the sheets is provided with a defined number of conical anchor studs which creates an inseparable mechanical bond with the concrete and absorbs any tension created by the difference in thermal expansion of the concrete and the polypropylene lining. This lining system offers outstanding chemical, thermal, mechanical and abrasion resistance properties. The utilization of polypropylene pipes main advantage is that this material does not require additional corrosion protection which have non-adhesive surface without pores that prevents the formation of deposits or incrustation. Thermoplastic materials are used for spray systems against severe chemical and mechanical loads.

Constructions of gas scrubbers by using concrete in conjunction with polypropylene lining system can be executed with speed and reliability. Polypropylene is abrasion resistant and can be utilized consistently as a lining material as well as material for structural elements, particularly in flue gas scrubbers, were high service life can be anticipated.