Hi jules,
The best way to check for compatibility is to perform tests in a lab on the materials. Here is some general data that I have on metals, plastics, and common seal (pumps, etc) that you may want to submit to a lab for testing. The rating system from good to poor for phenol is as follows: (Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor, Severe Effect). This list does not consider other chemistry in the fluid.
Common Metals
304 SS - Good
316 SS - Good
Aluminium - Fair
Brass - Severe Effect
Copper - Good
Carbon Steel - Severe Effect
Common Plastics
PVC - Good
Teflon - Good
ABS - Poor
Polyehylene - Good
Polypropylene - Fair
Ryton - Good
Common Seals
Viton - good
Nitrile/Buna N - Poor
Neoprene - Poor
Ethylene Propylene - Fair
Fluorocarbon - Excellent
I hope this gives you some ideas.
Sincerely,
Eugene