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Chemical Processing Industry

                                          

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Chemical Plant Corrosion

Corrosion is a significant concern for the chemical processing industry.  Corrosion failures can disrupt production or cause unintended release of chemicals into the environment.  There are many variables that may affect corrosion in a chemical plant.  Some of these variables are listed below:

 

  •   Contamination/Impurities
  •   Quality of water
  •   Aeration
  •   Galvanic couples
  •   Material selection
  •   Effects of welding
  •   Stagnation
  •   Turbulence
  •   Flow rate
  •   Line size
  •   Concentration
  •   Temperature
  •   Pressure
  •   Deposits
  •   Crevices
  •   Start-Up/Shutdown
Variation from planned operating variables can have a significant effect on expected results.  Materials are commonly selected based on past experience, corrosion tests, and the literature. 

Engineers need to have a comprehension of the process to understand the appropriate material choices for a given application.  Additionally, proper maintenance and process control are essential.

Materials used in chemical plants vary widely depending on the application.  Carbon steels, stainless steels, Nickel alloys, Copper alloys, and Titanium are some of the alloys regularly used in chemical processing plants. 

Seasonal variation in temperatures and variations due to start-up/shutdown variables are some examples of issues that can cause unanticipated problems in chemical processing plants.  It is not uncommon over time for plants to be operated with process variables different than originally planned.  It is not uncommon for flow rates or feed stock composition or impurities to significantly vary over time.  This may necessitate a change in materials, design, or operating conditions.

Contact Information

Telephone
407-880-4945 ----------- Consulting assistance is only available for customers
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AMC
380 S. State Road 434
Suite 1004 - #303
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Last modified: September 11, 2007