Alloy 20 For Superior Protection From Chloride Stress, Pitting & Crevice Corrosion
For those individuals who need pipe that can withstand truly harsh conditions, an alloy 20 pipe distributor like James Duva Inc is the place to go. Alloy 20 pipe is made from one of the most resilient alloy compounds available, and was originally designed to withstand the corrosive effects of sulfuric acid.
However, the industrial versatility of alloy 20 is considerable, and it has been used in the construction of nuclear reactors and petrochemical processing equipment, and even in the pharmaceutical sector. Below are some of the unique properties of alloy 20 and how the pipe's chemical composition can benefit various industries.
Chloride Stress Corrosion Cracking
The properties that make alloy 20 resistant to sulfuric acid also make it an ideal material to combat stress cracking. It is particularly advantageous in scenarios where piping is subjected to chloride stress corrosion, as is common in buried pipelines. However, certain components in chemical reactors are also prone to chloride stress corrosion cracking, which is why it is essential to utilize alloy 20 during the construction.
Because alloy 20 is characterized by an extreme tolerance to high temperatures, as well as a resilience to highly corrosive compounds, it is uniquely suited to handle these types of stressors. Utilizing lesser materials could ultimately jeopardize not only the structure itself, but also the safety of those in nearby regions.
Pitting & Crevice Corrosion
Alloy 20 is also a superior compound for environments prone to pitting and crevice corrosion. Pitting corrosion is most often the result of some type of localized physical or chemical damage. This typically amounts to some corrosive chemical solution that comes into contact with the metal, or a collision that leaves a physical indentation in the surface of the metal. Here, corrosion occurs as a result of currents generated between the aerated and non aerated portions of the metal surface.
Crevice corrosion comes about from the differences in oxygenation between the interior surface in a crevice and the exterior surface. The corrosion is also a factor of varying chloride concentrations within and without the crevice. Considering a crack in a metal surface, for instance, the actual surface area inside the crack would differ in oxygen and chloride levels compared to the surface area around the crack, or 'outside' of it.
Although both types of corrosion begin in different ways, they are similarly propagated via electrical currents. In a relatively short period of time, a small pit or crevice can compromise the integrity of the pipe, and potentially result in a breach, spewing hazardous, corrosive, or boiling matter into the surrounding area.
Ultimately, alloy 20 has a variety of unique properties that make it suitable for harsh environments, but its resistance to chloride, pitting, and crevice corrosion are three of its most valuable properties.
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