In short: sulfuric and hydrochloric acid attack most metals, and exotic alloys are expensive and still not immune. A valve lined with PFA or PTFE puts an inert plastic between the acid and the steel. BTGC supplies Crane ChemPharma & Energy lined ball, butterfly and check valves, with local assembly in Dammam.

Acid plants, chlor-alkali units and chemical distribution networks in Jubail and Yanbu handle fluids that corrode carbon steel in days and stainless steel in months. The choice for the valve engineer is between an exotic alloy body, which costs several times a steel valve, and a steel valve lined with a fluoropolymer.

How a lined valve works

The body is cast steel or ductile iron for strength. Every wetted surface is covered with a thick, bonded layer of PFA or PTFE. The acid never touches the metal. The lining is moulded, not sprayed, so it has no pinholes and extends through the flange faces to seal against the pipe lining.

Where a lined valve is the wrong choice

• Temperatures above the lining limit, around 200 °C for PFA

• Vacuum service that can pull the lining away from the body, unless the valve is vacuum-rated

• Abrasive slurries that cut the lining; a Saunders diaphragm valve with a rubber lining suits those

• Full-bore, high-pressure pipeline duty, where a metal-seated ball valve is the answer

Crane ChemPharma & Energy from BTGC

Crane ChemPharma & Energy is a portfolio of engineered valve brands for chemical and energy service, with strong local support in Saudi Arabia. The range BTGC supplies in the Kingdom covers:

• PFA and PTFE lined ball and butterfly valves for corrosive acids and chlor-alkali

• Xomox sleeved plug valves, cavity-free, for polymer units and fouling media

• Saunders diaphragm valves, industrial and aseptic, for slurries and high-purity service

• High-performance butterfly and check valves for utility and process lines

Crane assembles and tests process valves locally in Dammam, which shortens lead times and supports local content targets. See our page for Crane valves in Saudi Arabia and the full industrial valves offer.

Stocking in Jubail

BTGC holds PFA-lined valves and spares in Jubail for the petrochemical complexes nearby, so a failed valve on an acid line can be replaced without waiting for an import. Ask for the current stock list by size and class.

BTGC support in Dammam, Jubail and Yanbu

BTGC supports the petrochemical plants of Jubail and Yanbu from branches in both cities, with the valve test center in Jubail. For a quotation send the fluid and concentration, temperature, pressure, line size and the pipe lining material.

Questions buyers ask

PFA or PTFE? PFA is moulded and handles higher temperature; PTFE is the economical choice for moderate duty. BTGC selects by fluid and temperature.

How is the lining inspected? By spark testing for pinholes before shipment; test certificates are supplied.

Can lined valves be repaired? Liners are replaced as a unit; BTGC advises when replacement is cheaper.

Contact the BTGC valve team

Email valves@btc-ksa.com or call +966 13 856 0528. Branches: Dammam, Jubail and Yanbu. Request a quote.