4 Essential Factors to Consider When Choosing Chemical-Resistant Wheels for Industrial Applications
1. Identify the chemical substances
The first critical step is identifying the specific chemicals your industrial wheels could encounter. Document the names and concentrations of all substances, as the materials best able to withstand exposure vary greatly depending on the chemical itself. For example, polyurethane may resist diluted acids very well but perform poorly against certain solvents.
2. Understand temperature resistance
Pay special attention to the temperatures your wheels may be subjected to, both from the chemicals themselves and the surrounding environment. Thermal resistance differs widely across materials, with some rigid plastics holding up extremely well while many rubber compounds degrade.
3. Consider exposure time
The duration that wheels stay in contact with chemicals factors greatly into their long-term integrity. Brief or occasional exposure may elicit little material reaction, while constant contact can slowly degrade the compound until wheels fail unexpectedly.
4. Account for concentrations
The concentration percentage of compounds plays perhaps the largest role in chemical deterioration rates. Even very resistant substances lose integrity against pure formulations or solutions above 90% over time. Consult safety data sheets to find concentration levels, especially of acids, bases, oxidisers, and solvents.
Choosing the right wheels protects your investment
Taking the time on the front end to properly evaluate and test for chemical compatibility sets your operation up for safety, reliability, and savings over the long term.
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