Titan Enterprises is undertaking an extensive material evaluation programme to identify high-performance, non-PFAS materials for its turbine flowmeter range. This is part of a continuing commitment to innovation and regulatory readiness to ensure suitable fluorine-free polymers can be used to maintain the performance characteristics demanded by industrial flow measurement applications.
Increasing international scrutiny of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), coupled with anticipated legislation within global markets, is driving manufacturers to reassess material selection across critical components. The OECD’s broad definition of PFAS encompasses a wide range of fluorinated materials traditionally used in engineering applications, prompting companies to review product designs and material selections. Final legislation is anticipated by the end of 2026 to be accepted by European Member States, with the likelihood of changes coming into effect in 2027.
Recognising the importance of staying ahead of evolving legislation, Titan Enterprises is conducting comprehensive testing of non-PFAS materials to determine their suitability for precision moulded flowmeter components. The research focuses on finding alternatives that deliver the durability, dimensional stability, chemical resistance and long-term reliability customers expect, without compromising measurement accuracy or operational performance.
“Our objective is to provide customers with confidence that their flow measurement solutions will remain compliant, reliable and fit for purpose as regulations evolve,” said Neil Hannay, Senior R&D Engineer for Titan Enterprises. “Currently no single alternative material exists that has the properties required across all our industry applications where the mini turbines are being used, therefore our ideal is to have 3-4 options for our customers to choose.”
With the likelihood of multiple polymer types to be offered to suit specific customer process and application requirements, the priority is also for any chosen material to be FDA and/or NSF-Approved in order to be viable for use within the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries.
Two such materials – Hostaform® and polypropylene – are currently performing well under testing, with key properties of good chemical resistance to solvents, fuel and strong alkalis, as well as high resistance to thermal and oxidative degradation, being significantly important to Titan’s turbine flowmeters.
The research forms part of Titan’s long-term engineering strategy to minimise the impact of emerging PFAS regulations without compromising the accuracy, repeatability and robustness for which its turbine flowmeters are recognised.
Neil emphasises: “By investing in material research today, we are helping to future-proof our product range while maintaining the high standards of performance our customers rely on.”
Alongside its material development programme, Titan Enterprises has published a PFAS Statement outlining the company’s position on current and proposed PFAS legislation and the potential implications for its product portfolio. The document provides customers with guidance on Titan’s ongoing material qualification activities and its commitment to supporting compliance throughout the regulatory transition.
Through continued investment in material science, product validation and engineering development, Titan Enterprises remains focused on delivering high-performance flow measurement solutions that meet the technical, environmental and regulatory challenges of the future.
More information can be found at www.flowmeters.co.uk
