Stuttgart, Germany – April 15 2026
Why coated stainless steel is superior to FRP duct
When it comes to corrosive fume exhaust systems, process facilities must ensure that their equipment and practices adhere to strict regulatory standards. They must also remain flexible when adapting to future mandates and regulation changes.
Facility owners and engineers are finding Fab-Tech PermaShield® fluoropolymer coated stainless steel to be a more versatile, affordable, compliant, durable and safe alternative to fiber-glass reinforced plastic (FRP duct).
Regulatory compliance and stainless steel duct
Fab-Tech PermaShield® stainless steel duct with fluoropolymer barrier coating was first used in the semiconductor industry in the early 1990's. It is now seeing rapid expansion into pharmaceutical engineering, solar cell manufacturing, and wastewater treatment facilities. Some of this increased adoption has been driven by regulations like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Ruling 40 CFR and the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) Standard 318 for clean rooms.
Enacted in 1998, the EPA's Ruling 40 CFR set strict emissions standards for reducing a number of air toxins and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). This included methylene chloride, methanol, toluene, and HCI. It was estimated that the ruling would reduce air toxins by approximately 24,000 tons (or 65%) from contemporaneous levels.
To meet these regulations, process industries began implementing various technologies ranging from wet scrubber systems to regenerative thermal oxidizers (RTOs) depending on the nature of the process and the facility. The increased use of these air handling systems spurred a demand for advanced duct materials. These could reliably handle the highly corrosive vapors that needed to be transported to the vent collecting and destruction systems without compromising plant safety.
Compared to the more common materials like FRP duct, polypropylene (PP), and polyvinylchloride (PVC), fluoropolymer coated vent pipe demonstrated superior versatility in both performance characteristics and standards compliance.
Fire safety and coated stainless steel
Just as the intent of the EPA's Ruling 40 CFR was to reduce harmful emissions and make the air we breathe safer, the NFPA Standard 318 focused on making our work environment safer and less prone to the ravages of fire and smoke.
Relative to this standard, Fab-Tech PermaShield® coated stainless steel carries an industry leading fire rating of 0 (Zero) and a smoke generation of less than 20 from the ASTM-E84 tests. Based on these ratings, ® vent pipe systems do not require the added cost and installation of internal sprinkler systems. They, therefore, do not require the enormous expense of up-sizing the facility to handle greywater from the sprinklers.
Additionally, many insurance companies quote favorable premiums for non-combustible systems, while others outright require them altogether.
Finally, because Fab-Tech PermaShield® fluoropolymer coated stainless steel duct does not burn, collapse, or leak, the integrity and utility of the system is maintained in the event of a facility fire. Conversely, an FRP duct system would require substantial clean up, replacement, and disposal costs.
When performing a vent duct system cost analysis, it's not enough to simply compare the per-foot expense of different system materials, it is also critically important to consider its cost relative to often overlooked variables. Such cost considerations should include the total installed cost of the system including the mechanical contractor's labor and any necessary add-ons (like sprinkler systems and greywater handling upgrades). The lifetime maintenance, upkeep, and insurance costs are also important, as well as the cost and ease in which the system may be disposed or recycled in an end-of-use scenario. The system should have longevity and capacity sufficient to meet future regulatory requirements.
Find out more about Exentec's Process Exhaust products and market-leading Fab-Tech PermaShield® range.
About Exentec
Exentec is a global leader in mission-critical technologies and services for high-tech industries. With expertise spanning cleanroom environments, gas and chemical supply systems, modular solutions, and advanced HVAC, Exentec delivers integrated, energy-efficient solutions that enable innovation in sectors such as semiconductors, life sciences, energy, and data centers. Guided by a commitment to safety, sustainability, and operational excellence, Exentec empowers clients worldwide to shape a smarter, more connected future.
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