The customer is a phosphoric acid producer. The acid solutions go through various crystallization processes to end up as a range of different forms and grades of phosphates. The acid feed has a typical concentration of 93% and 80° to 90° C. The feed also contains chloride concentrations of 50 to 400 ppm. The end result was a corrosion problem that was proving very expensive to handle. The plant replaced the stainless-steel pipe with FRP with great success, but they still had no solution for the stainless-steel valves that were failing after one year.

The clients looked at exotic metal, glass, and ceramic valves, all of which were more expensive than the existing stainless-steel valves. After consulting with the local Nil-Cor representative, FRP valves were put on test. Following successful operation for over one year, the decision was made to replace all existing stainless-steel valves with Nil-Cor 310 ST-T-S glass reinforced vinyl ester composite valves. The benefits of the Nil-Cor valves were immediately apparent. Their light weight made installation safe and easy, putting less stress on the adjoining piping and requiring fewer and less costly supports. After two years of service, some of the valves were taken out of line and examined. They were found to be in perfect condition, with no sign of leakage or corrosion either inside or out. In the client’s own words, “We are very satisfied.”

Focused on performance, safety, and dependability, Andronaco offers corrosion-resistant composites and fluoropolymer lined steel and composite fluid processing piping system products. Contact us to speak with our engineers or learn more about specific solutions for your specific market.