Sandvik steel makes the grade
15 Jan 2000
Demand is increasing for tubing made from nitric acid-resistant grade stainless steel, according to Swedish steel producer Sandvik. The 2RE10 grade is finding increasing uses in plant areas which are subject to corrosion, the company says.
The steel, which has a high chromium and low carbon content, has good resistance to pitting and intergranular corrosion and can be welded easily. It is a higher specification than the standard stainless grades traditionally used throughout nitric plants, but is becoming particularly popular for areas where condensing and reboiling occurs, such as the inlet end of condensers. Here, Sandivk explains, the high concentration of hot acid creates a very aggressive environment.
The 2RE10 grade can resist inlet temperatures of up to 210 degrees C, Sandvik claims. Components made from this material have service lives of several years, compared with months for conventional steels, it adds.
