Can anodized aluminum pump heads be used in systems handling chemical media?

Anodized aluminum pump heads can be used in certain systems that handle chemical media, but their applicability depends on the type, concentration, temperature, and operating conditions of the chemical media being processed. Anodizing treatment is the formation of a dense layer of aluminum oxide (Al ₂ O3) protective film on the surface of aluminum. This oxide film has strong corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and certain chemical stability. In many mildly corrosive environments, such as when dealing with weak acids, weak bases, or certain organic solvents, anodized aluminum pump heads can provide reliable protective performance and are not easily corroded. It is suitable for neutral or near neutral chemical media fluid systems, especially at room temperature or medium low temperature conditions.

The protective ability of anodic oxide film is limited for highly corrosive chemical media, such as concentrated sulfuric acid, concentrated hydrofluoric acid, strong alkaline solution or high-temperature oxidizing solution. The oxide film itself has a certain degree of inertness, but it may be rapidly destroyed in strong acid or alkali environments, exposing the aluminum substrate to corrosive media, leading to pump head corrosion and even structural failure. If there are microcracks, pinholes, or poor sealing treatment on the surface of the oxide film, chemical media may penetrate through these defects, further eroding the substrate and shortening the life of the pump head.

Anodized aluminum pump heads can be used in handling media systems with milder chemical properties, such as industrial coolant, low concentration alcohol, some organic solvents, and diluted chemical solution systems. However, for highly corrosive, high-temperature, or high concentration chemical environments, caution should be exercised when using them. If necessary, materials with higher chemical resistance should be selected, such as stainless steel (such as 316L), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polypropylene (PP), etc. If it is indeed necessary to use anodized aluminum pump heads in complex chemical environments, it is recommended to conduct actual medium compatibility testing or refer to relevant chemical resistance tables, and ensure that the oxide layer undergoes high-quality sealing treatment to enhance its reliability and safety.