Titan Enterprises Advances PFAS-Free Materials for Turbine Flowmeters

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Engineering validation programme assesses high-performance non-PFAS materials to support regulatory readiness and maintain flow measurement performance

Titan Enterprises is undertaking an extensive material evaluation programme to identify high-performance non-PFAS materials for its turbine flowmeter range.

The initiative forms part of the company’s continuing commitment to engineering innovation and regulatory readiness. The programme is focused on identifying suitable fluorine-free polymers that can deliver the performance characteristics required for industrial flow measurement applications while helping customers prepare for evolving PFAS regulations.

As international scrutiny of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) continues to increase, manufacturers across multiple industries are reassessing the materials used in critical components. Anticipated legislation in markets around the world is also encouraging companies to review existing product designs and material selections.

The OECD’s broad definition of PFAS encompasses a wide range of fluorinated materials that have traditionally been used in engineering applications. This has prompted manufacturers to investigate alternative materials and assess how future regulatory requirements could affect existing products.

Final legislation is anticipated by the end of 2026 for acceptance by European Member States, with changes likely to come into effect in 2027.

Titan evaluates non-PFAS flowmeter materials

Recognising the importance of preparing for regulatory changes, Titan Enterprises is carrying out comprehensive testing of non-PFAS materials to establish their suitability for precision moulded components used in its turbine flowmeters.

The research programme is assessing potential alternatives against a range of technical requirements. These include durability, dimensional stability, chemical resistance and long-term reliability.

For flow measurement equipment, material selection is particularly important because components must maintain their physical properties and performance when exposed to different process conditions.

Any alternative material therefore needs to meet the demanding requirements of industrial applications without compromising measurement accuracy or operational performance.

Titan’s objective is to identify fluorine-free materials that can provide customers with a practical alternative as PFAS regulations develop while maintaining the accuracy, repeatability and robustness expected from its turbine flowmeter technology.

“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.”

Multiple polymer options under consideration

Titan expects that several different polymer types may ultimately be required to address the specific process conditions and application requirements of its customers.

Rather than relying on a single replacement material, the company is therefore investigating a range of options that could be selected according to the requirements of individual flow measurement applications.

A further priority is ensuring that selected materials have the appropriate regulatory approvals for applications where stringent material requirements apply. Titan is specifically seeking materials that are FDA and/or NSF-Approved to ensure they can be considered for use within the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries.

This is an important consideration for flowmeter manufacturers as materials used in process equipment can be subject to additional requirements depending on the industry, application and substances being measured.

Hostaform and polypropylene show promising results

Two materials currently performing well during Titan’s testing programme are Hostaform® and polypropylene.

Both materials are demonstrating properties that are considered important for the company’s turbine flowmeter applications. These include good chemical resistance to solvents, fuel and strong alkalis, alongside high resistance to thermal and oxidative degradation.

Chemical compatibility is a key consideration for flowmeter components, particularly where equipment is used across diverse industrial processes. Maintaining material integrity when exposed to solvents, fuels, cleaning agents or aggressive chemicals can help support the long-term reliability and repeatability of measurement equipment.

The ability to withstand thermal and oxidative degradation is also significant for applications where components may experience elevated temperatures or prolonged exposure to demanding operating conditions.

Titan’s testing programme will continue to assess the performance of potential materials as the company works towards establishing a wider portfolio of suitable non-PFAS options.

Future-proofing turbine flowmeter technology

The material research forms part of Titan Enterprises’ long-term engineering strategy to minimise the potential impact of emerging PFAS regulations while retaining the performance characteristics for which its turbine flowmeters are recognised.

The company is seeking to ensure that changes in material selection do not come at the expense of measurement accuracy, repeatability or robustness.

For industrial users, the ability to maintain established flow measurement performance while adapting to changing regulatory requirements could become increasingly important as restrictions on PFAS develop across international markets.

Titan’s work also reflects the wider challenge facing engineering manufacturers as they seek to replace established materials while ensuring that alternative polymers can meet technical, regulatory and application-specific requirements.

Neil Hannay 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.”

PFAS statement supports customer compliance

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 information about Titan’s ongoing material qualification activities and its approach to supporting compliance during the regulatory transition.

By communicating its position and continuing to investigate alternative materials, Titan aims to give customers greater visibility of how its turbine flowmeter range is being prepared for future regulatory requirements.

This is particularly relevant for manufacturers and process operators that need to consider material compliance as part of their own product development, procurement and regulatory planning.

Investment in PFAS-free flow measurement materials

Titan Enterprises’ continued investment in material science, product validation and engineering development is focused on ensuring its flow measurement technology can respond to changing technical and environmental requirements.

The company’s evaluation of Hostaform®, polypropylene and other potential non-PFAS materials is intended to provide greater flexibility for customers across different industrial applications.

By developing multiple material options rather than seeking a single universal replacement, Titan is working towards a more adaptable approach that can accommodate the differing chemical, thermal, regulatory and operational requirements encountered across industry.

The programme is ultimately aimed at delivering high-performance flow measurement solutions that continue to meet customer expectations for accuracy, repeatability and reliability while addressing the environmental and regulatory challenges associated with PFAS.

More information can be found at Titan EnPFAS Free Material Testingterprises.

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Titan Enterprises Limited

01935812790
sales@flowmeters.co.uk
http://www.flowmeters.co.uk
Unit 2 5a Coldharbour Business Park, Sherborne Dorset, DT9 4JW GB

About us

With over 40-years experience in flow meter innovation, Titan Enterprises Ltd are a UK-based manufacturer of high performance solutions such as the Atrato ultrasonic flowmeter, Oval Gear flow meters and the low flow Turbine flow meters and instrument range.

Our knowledgeable team can offer either an off-the-shelf meter or fully bespoke flow system designed for a particular application whether it is a low cost OEM solution or a specialist flowmeter in exotic materials. Titan supplies innovative flow measurement solutions into a broad range of sectors, including medical, industrial, food and drink, laboratory and pharmaceutical, offshire oil & gas industry, power, chemicals and mining.

For higher volume users we can custom design a flowmeter to match exact application requirements and thus not compromise achievable results with a less than ideal sensor.

At Titan we endeavour to produce devices that are inherently reliable as well as manufactured using the latest and most economical production technology. All flow meters produced by Titan are designed and manufactured to ISO9001 and calibrated to an uncertainty of ±0.25%.

We produce chemically resistant, high accuracy digital flow meters that are not only competitively priced but are engineered to give long-term reliable performance.

What we do in a nutshell

Titan Enterprises is a leading UK manufacturer and international supplier of high-performance liquid flow measurement solutions. We specialise in the design and production of small-bore, affordable off-the-shelf flow meters to bespoke flow sensors designed to customer specifications meeting specific flow ranges and environmental conditions.

Where we supply to

Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, South America, North America

Industries we supply to

Automation, Chemicals, Consultants, Components Electronics, Energy and Power, Food and Beverage, Glass Ceramics Cement, Metals and Minerals, OEM, Paper and Pulp, Pharmaceutical Cosmetics Toiletries, Plastics and Rubber, Recycling, Textiles, Tobacco, Water and Wastewater

Something interesting you may not know about us:

Titan's R&D spend is 20% of our turnover where the industry norm is 8-10%.

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