Jul 5, 2011
Whether for a gasket, valve seat, or O-ring, the choice of elastomer might seem like a minor decision, but it can have a major impact. If a seal material is a poor fit for the application, you could run into any number of problems, from swelling, to peeling or cracking. Needless to say, these could be a big deal in a sanitary process. But how do you decide what elastomer to use?
Jun 21, 2011
Material selection can be a difficult decision when you don’t understand the differences between two materials with almost the same cost. Have you ever asked for Hastelloy C-276 material and been recommended Hastelloy C-22 instead? Have you wondered what the difference is between them, and why one should be preferred over the other? Here are few reasons why C-22 is a better choice than C-276:
Mar 23, 2011
For any project requiring alloy equipment, the best thing to do is look at the experience and expertise with the alloy. The first requirement for a fabricator should at a minimum be ASME Section VIII Div 1 certified for the manufacture of pressure vessels, even for equipment not requiring pressure service.
Mar 16, 2011
The most common corrosive species that has caused failures in chemical plant is the chloride ion. Chloride Stress Corrosion Cracking (CSCC) can occur in hot acid chloride solutions, sodium chloride/peroxide solutions, and seawater. Other neutral halides such as bromides, iodides and fluorides can also cause SCC of the 300 series stainless steels.
Feb 4, 2011
Question: If I purchase AL-6XN alloy (N08367) tubing or fittings to the ASTM A270-S2 specification, will they meet the low sulfur requirements? Many end users in pharmaceutical industry require the ASTM A270-S2 (pharmaceutical quality) tubing for their application. However, sulfur requirements are commonly misunderstood, and the ASTM A270 specification covers...
Jan 20, 2011
Many of our customers whose processes utilize high chloride materials or are subject to extremely corrosive applications know that the life span of a vessel which uses a properly specified nickel alloy or reactive (commercially pure) metal can justify the additional expense. While the cost of an alloy tank itself can be higher, remember to factor the additional costs incurred from downtime, maintenance, or replacement, including removal and installation.
