Name:
xuxu
Subject:
Chemical Pipeline Flow Testing Corrosion-Resistant Pitot Probe Selection and Validation (Jul 9, 2025)
Prayer Request:
Chemical pipeline flow testing demands pitot probes with exceptional corrosion resistance, as aggressive fluids (e.g., acids, solvents) can degrade standard materials quickly. Selecting and validating the right probe ensures long-term reliability.Gas Pressure Scanwelcome to click on the website to learn more!
Hastelloy C-276 is a top choice for strong acids (e.g., 98% sulfuric acid) due to its molybdenum and chromium content, which resists pitting and crevice corrosion. Immersion testin 50% hydrochloric acid showed Hastelloy probes had a corrosion rate of 0.002mm/year, compared to 0.5mm/year for 316 stainless steel.
For fluoride-containing fluids (e.g., hydrofluoric acid), tantalum is unparalleled. Its passive oxide layer is impervious to fluorides, making it suitable for semiconductor manufacturing pipelines. A chip plant test found tantalum probes remained intact after 12 months in 10% HF, while Hastelloy probes showed severe etching after 3 months.
Validation involves exposing probes to test fluids at 120% of operational concentration for 1000 hours. Weight loss <0.1g and no visible pitting are pass criteria. A chemical plant rejected a batch of nickel-copper alloy probes after they failed this test, avoiding potential in-service failures.
Compatibility with gaskets and seals is also critical. Perfluoroelastomer (FFKM seals prevent fluid ingress around probe mounts, outperforming Viton in temperatures above 200°C. In a high-temperature solvent line, FFKM-sealed probes maintained calibration 2x longer than those with Viton seals.
No messages have been posted.
You must first create an account to post.
