Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| moist | A | A | |
| liquid | C | D |
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
The resistance of HDPE to Sulfur Dioxide is concentration-dependent. Across the 2 tested concentrations (moist, liquid), the 20 °C rating ranges from A at lower concentrations to D at higher ones. This means engineers must verify which concentration their process actually involves before relying on a single rating. However, at 50 °C the resistance rating drops, indicating that temperature must be factored into the design. For heated applications, additional testing under actual service conditions is strongly recommended.
Application context
Sulfur Dioxide is commonly encountered in chemical processing and water treatment. HDPE (High-density polyethylene) is a thermoplastic typically used for tanks, piping, containers and liners. Because Sulfur Dioxide is classified as corrosive, the choice of containment material is especially critical to prevent leaks, equipment damage, and safety hazards.
Practical recommendation
HDPE can be used with confidence for Sulfur Dioxide containment and handling. The A rating indicates that the material shows no significant change in weight, dimensions, or mechanical properties after prolonged contact under test conditions. At elevated temperatures (50 °C), some reduction in resistance occurs, so periodic inspection is advisable for heated applications. Always verify performance under actual operating conditions before committing to a design.
Did you know?
In industrial practice, HDPE components exposed to Sulfur Dioxide are typically inspected for swelling, discoloration, or loss of mechanical strength as early indicators of chemical attack.
Materials rated A or B at 20 °C
Based on the row for moist, 20 °C.
- Thermoplastics
- PP A, PVC Rigid A, LDPE A, Polysulfone B, PMP A
- Fluoropolymers
- PTFE A, PVDF A, FEP A, ECTFE/ETFE A
- Elastomers
- EPDM A
- Metals
- SS 316 A, SS 304 A
About HDPE
High-density polyethylene resists most aqueous acids, alkalis and salt solutions. Strong oxidising acids, chlorinated solvents and aromatic hydrocarbons attack or swell it. Continuous service is usually limited to about 80 °C.
Rating scale
- A very good resistance
- B good resistance
- C limited resistance
- D not resistant
- – no data
- K no general statement possible
A rating marked * is an estimate in the source, not a test result. An estimate is given as one value without a temperature.
About this data
The ratings come from the chemical resistance list published by Bürkle GmbH, which compiled them from raw-material manufacturers’ data. They describe laboratory tests on the raw material at 20 °C and 50 °C.
A finished part also sees pressure, mechanical stress, welds and mixtures that a laboratory test does not. Treat the rating as a first filter and test under your own conditions before relying on it.