Key factors include chemical compatibility, mechanical strength, temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, cost, and availability. The material must withstand the operating environment and the chemicals it will come in contact with .
Corrosion resistance is crucial to ensure the longevity and safety of equipment. Materials that resist corrosion minimize maintenance costs, prevent leaks and failures, and ensure the integrity of the chemical processes.
Common materials include stainless steel, carbon steel, glass-lined steel, and various alloys like Hastelloy and Inconel. Each material offers specific benefits in terms of corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, and temperature tolerance.
Stainless steel is widely used due to its excellent corrosion resistance, strength, and durability. It's suitable for handling a variety of chemicals and is commonly used in piping, reactors, storage tanks, and heat exchangers.
Carbon steel is chosen for its cost-effectiveness and good mechanical properties. It is often used with protective coatings or linings to mitigate corrosion in less aggressive environments.
Composite materials, such as fiber-reinforced plastics, offer high strength-to-weight ratios, excellent corrosion resistance, and the ability to be tailored for specific applications. They are used in storage tanks, piping, and other structures where weight reduction and corrosion resistance are critical.
Glass-lined steel is used for vessels, reactors, and piping that handle highly corrosive chemicals. The glass lining provides a chemically inert and smooth surface, preventing contamination and corrosion while being easy to clean. .
Thermal expansion is the tendency of materials to expand when heated. Selecting materials with appropriate thermal expansion properties ensures dimensional stability and integrity of equipment under varying temperature conditions, preventing mechanical stress and potential failure.
Mechanical strength determines a material’s ability to withstand forces and pressures during operation. It ensures the structural integrity of equipment, prevents deformation, and ensures safety and reliability under operating conditions.
For high-temperature applications, materials must have high thermal stability, maintain strength at elevated temperatures, resist thermal fatigue, and prevent oxidation. Materials like stainless steels, nickel-based alloys, and ceramics are often selected for their high-temperature performance.