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Guide 103 Quality

Compatibility Testing Basics

A simple screening method to reduce surprises before full-scale deployment—especially when materials, temperature, or chemistry are near the edge.

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What “compatibility” means

Compatibility is whether your materials and process conditions can tolerate the chemical at the intended concentration, temperature, and exposure time.

Minimum test set

  1. Metal coupons: include carbon steel and your plant’s stainless grade(s) where relevant.
  2. Plastic coupons: HDPE, PP, PVC, PTFE, or the plastics in hoses/liners.
  3. Elastomers: EPDM, NBR, FKM/Viton®, silicone—match your seals/gaskets.

Suggested “worst-case” conditions

  • Max intended concentration (or slightly higher if dilution error is plausible)
  • Max operating temperature
  • Longest plausible contact time (including unplanned soaking)

What to record

  • Before/after photos
  • Mass change (for metals) and any visible pitting or discoloration
  • Size/weight/durometer change (for elastomers), plus softness/tackiness
  • pH, temperature, and elapsed time

Pass/fail decision

Define acceptance criteria before testing (e.g., “no visible pitting,” “<2% swell,” “no hardness drop”). If you need help defining criteria, use our acceptance template below.

Related

Define criteria first, then test.