The (Process) Chain Breaks at the Weakest Link

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While even a hint of copper brings back memories of the early days of industrialization in the Age of Steam, the metal with the golden brown sheen still has its uses in the modern age. Copper is an excellent conductor of heat, making it ideal for heat exchangers. It is however very difficult to weld copper and welding takes a lot of experience.

Solid or Coated — It Is theFinish that Counts

Reactors made of ceramic materials used to be very common in the early days of the chemical industry, but in today’s world they play no significant role. Equipment made entirely of glass is generally only used in labs and test centers. The story is different for silicate enamel. Enamel coatings can significantly enhance strength and corrosion resistance of a surface. They also leave a smooth finish which is easy to clean, eliminating the fouling problem on enameled equipment. Such coatings are however difficult to apply and have to be handled very carefully.

How Plastic Materials are Used in the Chemical Industry

Enamels are not the only coatings used in the chemical industry: Plastics can also enhance the finishes in reactors. Polymer coatings provide electrical and thermal insulation and are resistant to acids and alkalis. They are also easily shaped and are relatively inexpensive compared to special alloys.

On the other hand, plastics are temperature sensitive (brittleness, melting). They are flammable and not very strong, which makes them unsuitable for most high temperature applications. Nevertheless, plastics continue to make inroads: Low-flammability plastic tubing is now produced for the chemical industry, and electrically conductive polyethylene has become available. Plastic pipes will soon be deployed at desalination plants which used to be the exclusive domain of extremely expensive titanium.

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