All Tight? – Technical Leak-Tightness of Pressure Reactors

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Berghof Products + Instruments GmbH

Flanges with a flat raised face and O-ring seals made of fluoropolymers enabling a hermetic sealing of the system have proven to be useful in practice. This procedure is particularly beneficial when working with corrosive media (e.g. mineral acid) and using PTFE inserts.

Gallery

A sealing consisting of O-rings and a combination of PTFE inserts with a sealing strip prevent the condensation of reagents in the intermediate wall between the inner and outer vessel and thus significantly reduce the corrosion risk at the reactor vessel. The interlocking system is another critical element for the ease-of-use and reliability of the system. Clamping rings or chains can be opened or closed quickly and without tools. In addition these devices ensure the hermetic closure of the reactor up to an operation pressure of 200 bar.

Component selection ensuring full leak-tightness

Berghof uses two-ferrule fittings from Swagelok meeting the TRBS 2141 and TRGS 500 requirements, to ensure an utmost configuration flexibility for pressure reactors and maximum operational safety. With a helium leakage rate of up to 4*10-9 mbar l/s, the two-ferrule fitting is among the most leak-tight connections available. The reliable leak-tight and fully-metallic two-ferrule mechanical grip design makes elastomer sealings unnecessary without compromising the pressure resistance. The ease of use is an additional benefit, ensuring full leak-tightness even after repeated assembly. Furthermore, this design enables the use of valves that can drain fluid media independently through gravitation. The valve design makes elbows and T-fittings unnecessary. The design also reduces the dead volume and/or formation of dead water spaces. This is a significant advantage in terms of acquisition, maintenance and operating costs.

The proper material for safety and efficiency

The high quality requirements for pressure reactor materials and components are particularly obvious for reactions involving e.g. an extremely fast pressure relief from the system. This process transfers extreme loads to the mounted components, which must remain leak-tight even under increased load effects. In addition, the resistance to gases, fluids or the reaction product must be considered for the selection of the materials. Due to the broad application scope of pressure vessels the most various materials can be used for all components depending on the media's aggressiveness. Reactors, connections and fittings are made of stainless steel.

Swagelok ensures an increased corrosion strength and extended temperature and media resistance by using modified stainless steel 316/316L with a guaranteed higher minimum chrome/nickel content. Special alloys, like Hastelloy and/or PTFE lining are available for corrosive media. The proper component selection affects the reactor's overall life-cycle and is a key safety and efficiency criterion.

* * Dr. Kerstin Dreblow, Berghof Products + Instruments GmbH, Eningen. Contact: Tel. +49-7121-894-187 Matthias Hörbe, Swagelok Stuttgart/Karlsruhe, Reutlingen. Contact: Tel. +49-7121-67000-0

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