HomeService by FluidHydrofluoric Acid (HF)

hazardousHFCAS 7664-39-3

Valves for Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) Service

Hydrofluoric acid is one of the most hazardous industrial chemicals. Even dilute HF can cause deep tissue burns and systemic fluoride poisoning through skin contact. Refinery alkylation units use concentrated HF or sulphuric acid. Valve specifications follow CCPS and API 751 guidelines.

Pressure Range

1–20 bar

Temperature

Ambient to 70°C

Industries

Petroleum refining (alkylation), Semiconductor etching, Fluorochemical production

INDICATIVE ONLY - Reference DisclaimerHF is a Category M lethal substance. All valve and piping specifications for HF service must be reviewed and approved by a specialist process safety engineer. API 751 compliance is mandatory for refinery alkylation units. Do NOT use this reference guide as a substitute for a formal hazard review. Vajra Industrial Solutions accepts no liability for material selection decisions based on this guide.

What valves are used for Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) service?

Monel 400 globe valve (NACE MR0175) are recommended for Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) service: HF alkylation unit - API 751 compliant design.

Key Properties - Hydrofluoric Acid (HF)

  • Penetrates skin - causes deep tissue damage and systemic toxicity
  • IDLH: 30 ppm (immediately dangerous to life)
  • Attacks glass and many ceramics (used for etching)
  • Anhydrous HF is a gas above 19.5°C - requires pressure vessels
  • Refinery alkylation uses anhydrous or concentrated aqueous HF

Vajra Industrial Solutions manufactures and supplies valves for Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) service — including monel 400 globe valve (nace mr0175) — in corrosion-appropriate materials selected for the operating conditions described here, with full material and test documentation.

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Material Compatibility - Hydrofluoric Acid (HF)

Ratings are indicative. Actual compatibility depends on concentration, temperature, velocity, and presence of contaminants. Always consult corrosion tables or a materials engineer.

MaterialRatingNotes
Monel 400 (N04400)ExcellentIndustry standard for HF alkylation service. Resists anhydrous and aqueous HF.
Carbon SteelGoodForms iron fluoride passivation layer. Acceptable for anhydrous HF and high concentrations. Not for dilute aqueous HF.
SS 304/316Not RecommendedNot acceptable for HF service - corrosion and SCC risk.
PTFEGoodAcceptable for aqueous HF up to ~50% at ambient. Fuming HF attacks PTFE at elevated temperature.
Hastelloy C-276FairOnly for dilute aqueous HF - not for anhydrous or hot concentrated HF.
Nickel 200/201GoodGood for aqueous HF in some concentration ranges.

Recommended Valves

Monel 400 globe valve (NACE MR0175)

HF alkylation unit - API 751 compliant design

Full selection guide

Monel 400 ball valve

Isolation in HF service - Monel wetted parts throughout

Full selection guide

Bellows-sealed globe valve

Zero fugitive emission design - HF is lethal at low concentrations

Full selection guide

ESD valve with remote actuator

Remote operation mandatory - no manual operation in HF area

Valves to Avoid

SS 304 or SS 316 in any HF service

Non-fire-safe or non-bellows-sealed valves

Any valve with glass or ceramic components

Valves not rated for Category M lethal service

Special Considerations

Category M lethal service per ASME B31.3 - zero leakage tolerance
All maintenance requires full acid suit, supplied-air respirator
ASHRAE/CCPS emergency response plan mandatory
Remote-actuated valves with fail-safe closure - no manual operation in HF zones
Calcium gluconate antidote gel must be immediately available in all HF areas

Applicable Standards

API 751 - Safe operation of HF alkylation unitsASME B31.3 Category M (lethal service)ISO 15848 Class A (zero fugitive emissions)NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156

Shop Valves for Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) Service

Other Fluid Services

Part of the Vajra Fluid Service Library

Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) Service — Procurement & Specification

Typical Applications

Petroleum refining (alkylation)Semiconductor etchingFluorochemical productionGlass etching

Available Standards

API 751 - Safe operation of HF alkylation unitsASME B31.3 Category M (lethal service)ISO 15848 Class A (zero fugitive emissions)NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156

Material Options

Monel 400 (N04400)Carbon SteelPTFENickel 200/201

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
View documentation package

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
View inspection & testing

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

Reviewed by Process Engineering, Vajra Industrial SolutionsDiscipline: Process & Fluid Service EngineeringLast reviewed: 20 June 2026

Connected Engineering

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