corrosiveKOHCAS 1310-58-3
Valves for Caustic Potash (KOH - Potassium Hydroxide) Service
Potassium hydroxide (caustic potash, KOH) is a strong alkaline chemical used in potassium soap production, fertilisers, batteries (alkaline and nickel metal hydride), electrolysers for green hydrogen production, and as a pH adjuster. It is handled in concentrations of 10–50% aqueous solution and is highly corrosive to skin and eyes. Unlike caustic soda (NaOH), KOH is slightly more corrosive to stainless steel at elevated concentration, but both behave similarly from a valve selection standpoint.
Pressure Range
1–20 barg
Temperature
Ambient to +120°C
Industries
Green hydrogen electrolysers, Potassium soap production, Fertiliser plants
What valves are used for Caustic Potash (KOH - Potassium Hydroxide) service?
Ball Valve (SS 316L or PTFE-lined) are recommended for Caustic Potash (KOH - Potassium Hydroxide) service: Standard isolation for KOH dilution and distribution pipelines.
Key Properties - Caustic Potash (KOH - Potassium Hydroxide)
- Strong alkali - pH >13 in solution; severely corrosive to skin and eyes
- Concentrated KOH attacks zinc, aluminium, and tin, and is aggressive to SS at high temp
- Compatible with carbon steel, SS 316L, Hastelloy, PTFE, PVDF
- Deliquescent solid - absorbs moisture from air; aqueous solutions are most common
- Heated KOH (>80°C) is more corrosive - stress corrosion cracking risk for carbon steel
Vajra Industrial Solutions manufactures and supplies valves for Caustic Potash (KOH - Potassium Hydroxide) service — including ball valve (ss 316l or ptfe-lined) — in corrosion-appropriate materials selected for the operating conditions described here, with full material and test documentation.
Need valves for Caustic Potash (KOH - Potassium Hydroxide) service?
Send your fluid conditions — we'll recommend the right valve, material and standard, with a 24-hour quote.
Material Compatibility - Caustic Potash (KOH - Potassium Hydroxide)
Ratings are indicative. Actual compatibility depends on concentration, temperature, velocity, and presence of contaminants. Always consult corrosion tables or a materials engineer.
| Material | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon Steel (WCB) | Good | Acceptable for KOH <50% up to 80°C. SCC risk above 80°C for stressed CS. |
| SS 316L | Good | Good for dilute KOH; some SCC risk with concentrated hot KOH. |
| Hastelloy C-276 | Excellent | Excellent across all KOH concentrations and temperatures. |
| PTFE-lined / PVDF-lined | Excellent | Best for concentrated KOH - no metal contact. |
| Nickel 200 | Excellent | Nickel 200 is excellent for hot, concentrated KOH. |
| Aluminium | Not Recommended | Rapidly dissolved by KOH. |
Recommended Valves
Ball Valve (SS 316L or PTFE-lined)
Standard isolation for KOH dilution and distribution pipelines
Full selection guidePTFE-lined Butterfly Valve
Large-bore KOH service - cost-effective corrosion protection
Full selection guideGlobe Valve (SS 316L, Hastelloy trim)
Throttling and control of KOH flow in electrolyser and soap plants
Full selection guideDiaphragm Valve (PTFE diaphragm)
Accurate KOH dosing control - no metal-fluid contact, zero leak path
Full selection guideValves to Avoid
Aluminium or zinc-lined valves
Unlined carbon steel for hot concentrated KOH
Special Considerations
Applicable Standards
Shop Valves for Caustic Potash (KOH - Potassium Hydroxide) Service
Other Fluid Services
Caustic Potash (KOH - Potassium Hydroxide) Service — Procurement & Specification
Typical Applications
Available Standards
Material Options
Documentation Available
- -EN 10204 3.1 Material Test Certificates (heat traceable)
- -API 598 hydrostatic shell & seat test reports
- -Dimensional inspection reports
- -Full Manufacturing Data Record (MDR) / data book on request
Inspection Options
- -In-house QC inspection on every order
- -Third-party inspection (SGS / Bureau Veritas / TÜV / DNV) coordination
- -Witness and hold points accommodated on request
Order Quantities
Flexible — from single critical-spare valves to full project lots.
Export
Worldwide export with complete documentation (COO, EUR.1, packing lists) to 20+ countries.
Custom Engineering
Built to your specification — materials, trim, pressure class and special service (NACE, fire-safe, IBR, cryogenic).
Delivery Support
Dispatch from Vadodara, Gujarat with documented lead times and priority handling for urgent requirements.
Engineering references
Connected Engineering
Need Valves for Caustic Potash (KOH - Potassium Hydroxide) Service?
Tell us your fluid, pressure, and temperature — we'll recommend the right valve, material, and standard, with a 24-hour quote.