Polymeric materials (thermoplastics, thermoses and elastomers) have excellent chemical resistance at low temperatures in a diversity of corrosive industrial environments and when they are fiber reinforced have strong mechanical properties. They have competitive costs, low weight and they are easy to install. For these reasons, their use increased in major proj acts in Venezuelan Petrochemical Industry between 1988 and 1992. This paper summarizes three experiences with some polymers used at our Chlorine- Alkali Plant: 1) Caustic stress cracking of PVDF arlolyte piping and PVDF disc valve linings 2) Use of dual laminated FRP/ETFE composite to replace the original design of two chlorine neutralizing tanlcs made of steel and brick-mortar lining, which failed prematurely 3) Failures of FRP piping due to concentrated sulphuric acid attack in the chlorine drying tower circuit. In each case, polymer failurlts were related to a marginal material selection and to an occasional inadequate operation. None of them were caused by the polymer itself. On the contrary, changing traditional materials to appropriate polymers has improved the service factor, the reliabi ity and the operation of the process plant.
KEY WORDS: polymers, dual laminated, anolyte piping, PVDF, thermoplastics, thermoset, caustic stress cracking, styrene copolymer, electrolyzers, codes and standards, Chlorine-Alkali, ETFE, FRP, FEP, etc.