Stainless Steel Fabricator
Stainless steel fabrication refers to the shaping and bending techniques of stainless sheet metal processing. Stainless steel can be given all different types of sections and complex hollow shapes. The equipment which is used for these processes can range from sophisticated power tools to simple hand held tools.
When starting out on a stainless fabrication job, it generally begins with a preliminary action such as perforating, slitting or cutting, with tools that perform some type of shearing action. These may be power operated machines such as bench shears for heavy gauge material, or simple hand held scissor like cutting tools for thin lightweight stainless steel materials.
There are different types of power driven shearing machines, and these machines will comprise of a moveable blade and a fixed blade.
Punching is another process carried out by the use of a punching machine and it is used to punch or pierce a hole in the metal workpiece.
Shaping is a sheet metal process, and a wide range of shaping operations known as bending or folding are done on presses. Other operations carried out on presses can include;
o Crimping and beading
o Grooving and seaming
o Stamping
Most of these processes are used to stiffen and shape the stainless steel pipe sheet, and these machines may also be used for creating tubular and circular shapes and other numerous purposes. Sections and angles may be formed by folding or bending.
Coiling is another process used to produce a coiled edge on a sheet metal component. Coiling helps to provide a suitable edge and increase the strength of the article. Cylindrical and other circular or curved shapes such as tubes are produced on a roll-forming machine.
There are many different techniques used in the fabrication of stainless steel and other sheet metal processes, and some of these are:
o Embossing
o Cupping
o Deep Drawing
o Marforming
o Spinning
o Flow forming
o Milling & Turning
Most of these techniques and processes are now produced with the aid of computer controlled machinery due to the rapid advance in todays technology. Most of the above processes can be easily carried out on many different types of metal such as mild Stainless steel and aluminium etc.
Posted at 10:05AM Feb 23, 2010 Read More... by Rebecca in Stainless steel pipe |
Stainless Steel Refrigerators
One of the most commonly Stainless steel remodeled and refurnished rooms in most homes these days is undoubtedly the kitchen. This is because it's a great way to increase the amount of the productivity and space that one may need to, or desire to, achieve while adding a very modern and stylishly sleek look to the house.
It is definitely a room that is meant to remain unique to the rest of the house. For this reason, as well as many others, a increasingly popular look is that of stainless steel. While this rings true for most kitchen appliances, it is especially true of the refrigerator.
Stainless appliances are taking over more and more kitchens everyday. However, while many individuals are investing in a variety of stainless products that include the oven, microwave, or dishwasher, there is no question that the monstrous refrigerator is the most common and immediate investment to be turned stainless by many.
The fact that they are so massive and have the potential to be such an eyesore plays a rather large role in the growth in popularity of stainless steel pipe. It's the first thing that anyone will see walking into a kitchen, making it the most important appliance to have looking sleek and stylish.
Part of what makes these refrigerators so popular is the clean look that they provide. After all it's all in the name: stainless steel. They make for a very elegant and clean look that is remarkably easy to maintain, which in turn makes keeping the kitchen tidy a much easier task. With a kitchen that is armed with one of these appliances, an individual will never have to worry about fingerprints, smudges, or even smears again.
Let's be honest, when it comes down to it, a kitchen appliance needs more than style. While having an inviting and well furnished kitchen is something to be proud of, without practicality it's all for nothing. Many of these fridges have great features to go along with the elegant style.
For example they may have a plethora of interior and exterior features including, temperature adjustment for the fridge as well as deli drawers, humidity adjustment for drawers, a freezer and ice and water machine, and even child locks.
There's no doubt that these refrigerators are quickly becoming the staple for the modern kitchen. For low prices on high quality seamless pipe, try shopping at your local appliance store.
Posted at 09:52AM Feb 22, 2010 Read More... by Rebecca in Stainless steel pipe |
Bearings Fit For Cuisine
Bearings play an essential role in food processing from bakeries to seafood canneries to bottling plants. Like any component in a high-speed, high-volume production line, their unexpected failure or unscheduled maintenance can be devastating. To reduce the risks and avoid painful consequences, engineers must observe housing and insert materials as well as the type of Stainless steel pipe bearing itself. What follows is a review of these important factors and practical advice for times when bearings are in contact with food.
In the house
When specifying bearings, designers must often choose housing and insert materials. Common housings include thermoplastic composites, nickel-plated cast iron, stainless steel, and polymers. In most cases, the application environment daily exposure to high-pressure washdowns, humidity, caustics, and antibacterial solutions dictates which housing material to use.
Sometimes, for example, acids, cooking fats, and other chemicals used in food and beverage processing may come into contact with the bearings. This can be avoided by employing composite or thermoplastic-housed units. Another option is cast stainless steel (usually made of AISI 300), which withstands strong chlorine and hydrogen peroxide concentrations.
Other materials such as high-strength, cast iron work best for red meat, pork, and poultry processing. Nickel-plated, cast-iron housings, on the other hand, are easier to clean and rid of debris and bacteria because of their smooth surface finish and solid-base mountings. The most common plating CNC (copper, nickel, chrome) durably resists corrosion and appears bright and shiny. Proper CNC sanitation prevents E. coli, salmonella, and staphylococcus aureus growth. Many of today's bearing housings also contain antimicrobial coatings to further thwart bacterial and fungal growth.
In addition, polymer housing offers excellent corrosion resistance, a chip-free exterior (as opposed to plated housings), and economical prices compared to stainless steel. But unlike stainless steel, polymer materials do not provide equal load strength.
Insert here
Bearing inserts are made variously from stainless steel, thin dense chrome (TDC), and zinc. Stainless-steel inserts although expensive are regularly found in the food industry as they offer high-corrosion resistance. Generally, their outer and inner rings and balls consist of AISI 440C stainless steel. TDC coatings offer an alternative to this as they resist corrosion up to 15 times more than normal 52100 bearing-quality steel and provide greater surface hardness.
Zinc-coated inserts also guard against corrosion, come in most sizes, and cost less than stainless steel and TDC. However, plane bearings are needed during severe operating conditions where rolling-element inserts are not allowed. They usually install into any mounted housing that accepts rolling-element bearings. In addition, polymer and seamless pipe combinations comply with requirements for a bushing-type design.
Lube stop
Normally, an FDA/USDA-approved grease (classified as H1 for incidental food contact) lubricates food-grade bearings. H1 lubricants are odor-free, tasteless, washout resistant, and harm-free to food. Whenever possible, bearings should be relubricated to replenish the old grease supply and purge contamination.
When relubrication is not possible, however, polymer-solid lubricants can be employed. During bearing operation, they release a small amount of oil to coat rolling elements and raceways, resist washout, and reach hard-to-maintain areas. On the downside, they handle speed and environmental limitations poorly.
Daily specials
Over the last 10 years, many special bearings (both mounted and unmounted) were created to improve food processing. Concerns influencing these designs include:
Wet environments due to water and equipment washdown
Harsh chemicals sanitation and cleaning requirements
Excessive heat baking and frying
Excessive cold freezer applications
In any of these environments, bearings must be shielded from corrosion. This is achieved through corrosion-resistant platings, coatings on metal surfaces, or materials that inherently offer corrosion resistance, such as stainless steel or polymers. Stainless steel offers the best corrosion resistance in the aforementioned environments and is therefore preferred in meat-processing plants for equipment and bearings.
Plated bearings, on the other hand, best suit wet areas with limited chemical washdown. Their lubricants must be USDA-approved food grade (H1 or H2) only. Many high-end, food-grade greases lubricate as effectively as conventional petroleum greases and contain additional qualities such as low-temperature operation and washout resistance.
Basic styles
Mounted bearings typically come in three basic housing-material combinations: plated or coated cast iron; polymers or composites; and stamped, cast, or machined stainless steel. Insert bearings are available in several corrosion-resistant platings or coatings: Zinc chromates, TDC, and black-oxide coatings are most prevalent.
Unmounted bearings are made of stainless steel and other highly corrosion-resistant materials such as high nitrogen corrosion-resistant steel (HNCR). HNCR resists corrosion better than any stainless steel while maintaining a material hardness similar to average bearing steel. HNCR materials therefore eliminate the capacity reduction inherent in stainless-steel bearings.
High-temperature bearings generally incorporate a graphite separator that lubricates bearings at temperatures above 600° F something conventional lubricants such as grease and oil cannot do effectively. These mounted bearings increase life and lower maintenance costs in difficult baking, frying, and drying applications.
Plane bearings consist of a bushing-type design where two surfaces mate to each other without a ball or roller. They are available in several housing styles and bearing-material combinations for lubricant-free operation (sometimes required for sanitation) and easy cleaning. Unlike conventional ball bearings, they can be completely disassembled, cleaned, and reinstalled for safe use in and above the product zone where conventional rolling-element bearings are unapproved. However, this style limits both speed and load compared to conventional ball bearings. Plane bearings are made of stainless steel or polymers for various operating requirements and temperature ranges.
Other options
Seals are one of the more common options used with bearings. They are intended to keep lubricants in and contaminants out and are an important consideration in food-processing applications. They vary from conventional single-lip rubber types to double-lip designs and are often coupled with metal fingers fitted outboard for added protection. For high-temperature applications, various silicone materials are available and advised.
End closures added to housed units further protect the inserts, prolong bearing life, and act as safety measures against rotating parts. There are open-type units, which allow shafts to extend through and closed types for stub shafts. Most often, covers are made from either stainless steel or composites.
Other options for a complete food-grade bearing assembly include stainless steel or nylon cages, Stainless steel setscrews, stainless steel or corrosion-resistant coated fingers, corrosion-resistant collars, and Stainless steel grease fittings. Survivability is key for the bearing, as well as the load.
Posted at 09:30AM Feb 21, 2010 Read More... by Rebecca in Stainless steel pipe |
Stainless Steel Chimney Liner
You still aren't over the shock of the esitimate your chimney sweep left you for what he says is needed to use your chimney safely. He told you that you need to install a stainless steel chimney liner in your existing masonry chimney. You have no idea what a stainless steel chimney liner is. Most of all you have no idea why the sweep wants so much money to do the job.
Chimney Liner Metal Alloys
You found your way to this site, so you must be interested in doing the job yourself. So lets discuss some options you have and the types of stainless steel chimney liner that are out there.
First thing you should be aware of is that most manufacturers won't honor a warranty for a stainless steell chimney pipe installation if a non professional does the work. However, Royal Chimney Supply, the manufacturer of Flex King chimney liners will honor the warranty if you do the job yourself.
You can choose to use either a rigid stainless steel chimney liner or flexible pipe. Flexible pipe should be used if your chimney is less than perfectly straight with no joggs or offsets. If you have a nice straight chimney you most definately should use rigid chimney pipe.
Compare Chimney Liner Brands
Rigid stainless steel chimney liner is the best product available to line a chimney. It's thick, and cleans the best. It's the most durable and will never rip if you clean it agressively. Light flexible chimney liners need to be cleaned with a type of plastic chimney brush because they are so thin.
There are different types of thicker more durable flexible liners available. Flex King Pro is a double wall, smooth interior liner. It cleans much better than standard Flex King liners and is more durable.
Heavy Flexible liners are very thick and durable. The only problem with them is that they are very heavy. A homeowner may have some trouble when installing a heavy flex stainless steel chimney liner.
More info about Stainless Steel Chimney Liner
If you are going to purchase a light flex stainless steel chimney liner you should buy one that is made from 316TI stainless steel. A lot of lesser quality liners are made from 316L. The TI stands for titanium. The addition of titanium gives the liner the ability to withstand less than perfect chimney conditions
Should I insulate my liner?
You should definately insulate your liner if you have the room. Why? With a wood or coal stove you will lose a lot of heat up the chimney. When hot flue temperatures meet with cold temperatures it will create condensation. When flue gases meet with condensation the result is creosote. By reducing the formation of creosote you will lengthen the life of your chimney liner. Keeping your chimney liner warm will also keep the draft consistent and will improve the performance of your stove.
What is a Rigid Chimney Liner?
Most rigid chimney liner sections are made of nonmagnetic, series 304 or series 316 seamless pipe. Unlike the flexible stainless steel liner, rigid pipe comes in sections and is usually round in shape and one to four feet long and five to ten inches or more in diameter. The most common wall thickness is 24-guage (0.024 in.) or 22-guage (0.029 in.) stainless steel.
The seam running down the length of each liner sections is factory sealed. Individual liner sections are joined together with the crimped, male end facing down. Stainless steel pop rivets and stainless steel screws secure the joints.
Pop rivets are recommended by most manufacturers since screws may work themselves loose from the expansion and contraction of the liner. Usually rigid relining jobs are supported at the bottom of the chimney or at the thimble area.
Stainless steel tee sections are used at the thimble and clean out areas. Rigid stainless steel liners can expand several inches during heating. To accommodate for this expansion the liner moves up and down in a sleeve at the top of the chimney.
A storm collar over the sleeve prevents moisture from entering the chimney along the outside of the liner. The area around the sleeve at the top of the chimney is sealed with either a stainless steel plate or a concrete pad.
The opposite of rigid chimney liner, flexible chimney liner
The use of rain caps are recommended for use on chimneys with stainless steel liners. It can be very important to have the most efficient venting possible.
A smooth walled rigid liner offers the most efficient venting due to the decreased turbulence. You can shape it to take full advantage of every cubic inch and offer maximum draft. It can be shaped into rectangular, square or oval.
Stainless steel resists corrosion, maintains it's strength at high temperatures and is easily maintained. For these reasons, it is used widely in items such as automotives, home and food processing products, as well as medical and health equipment. The most common types are: 304; 316; 316Ti; 316L; 29-4C.
316TI Stainless Steel
316TI is a stainless steel alloy with a small amount of titanium added. It's make-up allows it to resist acids and the stresses of hot and cold cycles. It can be used with solid fuels (wood, coal and pellet), gas and oil. It can withstand temperatures up to 2100 degrees.
316L Stainless Steel
316L chimney liner metal is commonly found in some thicker flexible chimney liners as well as in rigid chimney liners. The titanium is left out because of the added thickness of liners made from 316L stainless steel. 316L stainless steel is acceptable for use with coal, wood, gas or oil systems.
304L Stainless Steel
304L is best for chimneys venting a wood burning appliance. This alloy is commonly found in rigid chimney liner.
The most commonly specified austenitic (chromium-nickel-stainless class), it accounts for more than half of the stainless steel produced in the world. This grade withstands ordinary corrosion in architecture, is durable in typical food processing environments and resists most chemicals.
Al 29-4C Stainless Steel
This chimney liner metal alloy is used most often when relining a masonry chimney or clay lined chimney that will vent a modern high efficiency gas or oil furnace.
It is an alloy of stainless steel pipe that is highly resistant to corrosion. It is used for relining flues where flue gases may contain highly corrosive elements. Being that most of the heat generated by such a high efficiency appliance goes into the home, the flue gas temperatures tend to be relatively low.
Low flue gas temperature keeps moisture in the flue gases from evaporating and being eliminated up the flue. The combination of moisture in the flue gas along with other chemicals that may be inducted into the flue from the surrounding environment, such as those from chemical cleaners and laundry supplies, can contribute to a very corrosive flue gas composition.AL29-4C is made to resist such corrosive environments over a long period of time.
Posted at 10:02AM Feb 09, 2010 Read More... by Rebecca in Stainless steel pipe |
Process Puzzler: Soothe A Skittish Supervisor
THIS MONTHS PUZZLER
We use a carbon-steel spiral-tube heat exchanger as a condenser in our spray tower. Operating conditions normally are 100 psig at about 150°F. Treated chilled water at 45°F runs in the tube side. The shell side handles metal chlorides, e.g., FeCl2, VCl4 and TiCl4. These chlorides condense to form liquids and evaporate to form gases Stainless steel pipe. Severe corrosion from chlorine and erosion was the reason why the spiral heat exchanger was chosen over a shell- and-tube one. The chlorine is usually dry but, occasionally, spikes of water upstream of the exchangers cause corrosion. One of our engineers is pushing the idea of cladding Type 304L stainless steel with a high nickel alloy. Coupon tests suggest this will improve service life. One concern is how bending the tube will affect cladding. How can we assure our nervous operations manager that this cladding will work? Do you have any other ideas? Keep in mind replacing the heat exchangers with another style will require a major change in piping around the units.
REPLACE THE EXCHANGER
Try looking at a hybrid heat exchanger that incorporates the strengths of both plate-and-frame and shell-and-tube exchangers without their weaknesses. It is a good compromise between cost and performance. My experience is only as a happy customer of an exchanger manufactured in France. Its design tends to provide the best lifecycle cost choice for our circumstances.
LOOK AT TANTALUM LINING
I think that you have not considered all of the options available. Cladding is a risky option. Maybe replacing the tubing with duplex steel would be a better option. Another idea would be to seek a consultant. There is a manufacturer in Germany that makes tantalined equipment for the fabrication of spiral exchangers with lined carbon steel pipe. This last item might be your best choice.
WATCH THERMAL EXPANSION
We have used nickel-plated copper seamless pipe tubing for similar heat-transfer applications. The plating can be applied after the tubing is bent, but youll need to be careful about the amount of expansion you get from temperature variation.
CONDUCT THOROUGH TESTING
Some years ago an engineer at our plant in Grimsby, U.K., looked at tantalum cladding for our chlorinators. These are large brick-lined reactors. Inside, chlorine comes in contact with carbon monoxide from burning coke; the chlorine reacts with ore to chlorinate it, producing titanium tetrachloride, TiCl4. Trace water and hydrogen chloride (HCl) in recycled chlorine is a continual problem. Unfortunately, the brick and carbon steel shell of the chlorinators is quickly attacked at the moisture penetration zone where the water and HCl condense. These chlorinators are water-cooled by falling-film heat transfer, making it difficult to detect a breakthrough of the shell. Such a breakthrough posed a significant environmental risk.
The engineer thought tantalum, the only material not susceptible to attack by wet chlorides, would work. He was looking into coupons to test in the next chlorinator turnaround. These coupons included welds and other features.
With the heat exchangers, the combination of welds and bends offer a challenge for coupons. I suggest installing a coupon that includes welds and a distressed plate, not unlike the forming process for an elbow. Test in a large vessel, if possible, to avoid affecting the chlorination process. If the coupon survives, your cladding idea may succeed. The next test involves checking the manufacturing process. A very good test for identifying cracks in metal tubes is an acid dye-penetration test. Its a destructive test that will reveal voids in the interstitial areas between crystals in nickel alloys and similar metals that ultrasonic means wont identify. Use this method to validate the manufacturing process.
It would be really easy to grow shy about this application. When we considered cladding of our heating coils, which operated at about 1,000°C, we opted out. We felt that it was too risky and chose to go with high nickel alloy coils instead.
MARCHS PUZZLER
Management wants to boost production from our batch polymer process by changing the operating procedure. Now, a portion of the acrylic monomer goes in with the bulk of the solvent and other ingredients. Then, monomer is slowly added until the reactor level rises to about 55%. Instead, management wants to increase the maximum level to about 65% and raise the final concentration of the polymer about 2%. The reaction is very exothermic; a chilled-water baffled jacket provides cooling Stainless steel. At the top of the reactor a horizontal shell-and-tube condenser that uses cooling tower water captures evaporated solvent. Agitation consists of a single axial impeller and the tank has reduced baffles to account for viscosity above 5,000 cP. To meet the production goal, its been proposed that we add all of the monomer at once; bench-scale tests have shown that this could work but our current approach seems safer. Management likes the plan and wants to put into practice immediately. Our production engineer is a little nervous should he be concerned? How should we approach this problem? Are any process changes necessary? What do you think?
And, of course, if you have a process problem youd like to pose to our readers, send it along and well be pleased to consider it for publication.
Posted at 10:12AM Feb 08, 2010 Read More... by Rebecca in Stainless steel pipe |
Brush And Satin Finish On Stainless Steel
While at first glance deburring & finishing stainless steel and aluminum railings may seem somewhat a niche market it should be noted that with the correct Dynabrade tools, grinding, sanding and polishing products almost any weld shop can take on this type of work.
It is hard to put a number on how many steel fabricators, welding shops, artists garages, etc. I have been called into because a nervous owner, foreman or project manager took on railing jobs that were above their expertise. Most thought they were going to lose their shirt once they got to the metal finishing stages on somewhat temperamental stainless or aluminum.
The best advice I can give anyone who wants to Brush Finish Stainless Steel or Aluminum Railings in a professional manner is set up your shop and your polisher with the necessary Dynabrade tools and Abrasives. If you are willing to allocate some of your time and hard earned money as an investment in yourself and your company the quality stainless or aluminum railings you produce will come back to you financially many times over. The most common abrasives questions I get asked for these metal finishes are some of the easiest to answer. Thats not to say I havent seen some interesting challenges over the years. I have been in over 1,000 shops that work on all types of metals and woods.
A consistent finish on stainless or aluminum railings steel fabricators want to achieve is a brush, satin or #3 finish or #4 finish. Most steel fabricators order the stainless steel or aluminum pre-finished to this specification and only need to bring the areas they have welded back to a nice clean satin finish which will match the rest of the metal railings original finish.
I like to see anyone who is serious about working with metals such as stainless or aluminum own at least two Dynabrade tools for their shop. The first is a Dynabrade Dynafile. There are many variations of the Dynafile which Dynabrade Manufactures. They are as follows: The Original Dynafile model 14000, the dynafile II model 40320, and the Electric Dynafile model 40590. Either one of these Dynafiles will do the job.
I prefer the Dynafile II series air or electric. They seem to be the most versatile. You can position the rotating sanding belt head in many different positions depending on the angle of your work piece. The Electric dynafile II and the Air Dynafile II also accept over 20 interchangeable contact arms which will hold sanding belts and surface conditioning belts 1/8 to ? in width.
The Dynafiles primary function is to grind and polish hard to reach areas on a metal work piece. Some examples of this are the corners or where the welds join together two or more parts. The second Dynabrade Tool I find to be a necessity from Dynabrade is from the Dynastraight Family. These tools include: The Dynastraight model 13204 .7 hp 3,400 RPM or the Dynastraight model 13505 1 hp 3,400 RPM.
I like these models because they are rated at the proper RPM and have male 5/8-11 threaded wheel arbors which are standard and allow for many different abrasives to be mounted and used on them. If you want to use a dynabrade inflatable rubber drum with sanding belts or surface conditioning belts on it the Dynabrade Pneumatic Wheel seamless pipe part number is 94472. I also recommend a combination of unmounted 6x1x5/8 flap wheels in assorted grits for either Dynastraight to help bring the Railings back up to the 3 finish or 4 finish.
Posted at 01:20PM Feb 05, 2010 Read More... by Rebecca in Stainless steel pipe |
The Worthy of Stainless Steel
Over the past century, stainless steel has arisen as the first metal of choice for many applications. You will find stainless steel at the top of skyscrapers, in your sink and in your hands as you use tools and various other objects. But is stainless steel really all that great? How does it compare to other metals? Here is some basic information about stainless steel to examine its worth and popularity compared to other metals.
What is stainless steel?
Stainless steel may be defined as an alloy of iron and carbon with a chromium content from 10.5 - 11.5%. Metallurgists began working to form stainless steel in the 19th century, but it was not until the early 20th century that stainless steel became mass-produced and widely used. The chromium content is the secret to the stain-resisting properties. When chromium comes into contact with oxygen it creates a film called chromium oxide that encases the steel and provides a sort of barrier against corrosion. Whenever the layer of chromium oxide is breached, it will "self-heal" and continue to create another film as the exposed chromium interacts with oxygen.
Can stainless steel rust?
Yes. It is important to note that while stainless steel does strongly resist any form of corrosion, it is not completely immune to corrosion and rust. While only gold and platinum are entirely impervious to corrosion, stainless steel is the most economical choice for endless applications. The best way to prevent stainless steel from rust and corrosion is to keep it clean. When kept clean, this steel can come into contact and withstand diverse environments and chemicals. Abrasive materials can break down the ability of stainless steel to resist corrosion. Whenever cleaning an item made of stainless steel, refrain from using abrasive materials or brushes. Soft cloths and various kinds of soap are recommended as long as they do not contain chloride.
Stainless Steel Grades
The most common grades are 304 (18% chromium, 8% nickel) and 316 (16% chromium, 10% nickel, and 2% molybdenum. Grade 304 is the most versatile and widely used stainless steel. Originally it was called 18-8 because of its chromium and nickel content. Grade 316 has superior corrosion resistance and is often referred to as the "marine grade stainless steel" and is used in food and laboratory equipment, medical devices, threaded fasteners, and marine applications. Grade 302 has given way to 304 due to availability and price but is still found in items such as washers and springs.
How has it been used?
Stainless steel is perhaps one of the most broadly applied metals in the world today. One will find seamless pipe in everything from buildings, to wrist watches, from monuments to skate blades. In 1930 the Chrysler Building in New York City was erected and capped with 302 grade stainless steel. A recent inspection of this building reveals the durability of stainless steel and its resistance to the elements as no corrosion or loss of thickness was found. The St. Louis Arch is the largest man-made monument in the United States. The concrete arch is covered with nine hundred tons of stainless steel from top to bottom. [3] Ever since 1965 when the arch was completed, cleaning is the only maintenance the 603 ft. monument has needed.
While the average person may not always have contact with these two monumental structures, most people interact with stainless steel products every day. Many household appliances from cabinets to sinks to dishwashers consist of stainless steel. This metal is chosen often in the kitchen because of its durability and sharp aesthetic appeal with only the occasional cleaning necessary to maintain its look.
Stainless steel is not merely good for aesthetics, but many tools are now made from stainless steel. Because of the superior strength and durability of the metal, homeowners and businesses have chosen to incorporate stainless steel tools. One business has even commented, "Replacing carbon steel tools with stainless steel tools eliminates this risk and should be considered a standard operating procedure for any modern facility." High-risk jobs require reliable tools that won't corrode or break during use. No one likes to find a tool rusted when it is needed for a particular job in the house, and homeowners can't afford to continually buy replacement tools.
Hardware made of stainless steel benefits the user with all the above qualities of stainless steel. Today you can find stainless steel hardware from basic nuts, bolts, screws and chain. You'll also find highly specialized and complex fittings and hardware used for rigging and marine applications.
What about other metals?
One of the most common elements in the entire universe is iron. Because of its abundance and relatively easy accessibility, iron has been a popular metal for tools and various other objects for several millennia. Cast iron is used to make bicycles, machines and hardware. Yet, iron metals may break and are easily susceptible to rust. Rusting takes place whenever iron materials come into contact with oxygen and water (moisture). Because of this liability, rusted iron loses integrity and can become dangerous in critical situations.
Nickel is a metal commonly used as an alloy. Even the nickel as currency is 75% copper. Nickel is commonly used as a metal in cast iron or even stainless steel. However, nickel is seldom used as a metal unto itself.
As was stated earlier, titanium stands out as one of the only elements in nature that is of itself completely rust resistant. Titanium is uniquely light, durable and dent resistant. Yet, with all of these qualities, titanium needs to be refined and is not normally produced in vast amounts. This results in high prices. Normally, titanium will be included in an alloy such as stainless steel or aluminum. Sometimes it will show up in watches or even wedding rings, but again, only in small amounts because of supply and cost.
Zinc is another metal, like nickel, that is better applied in alloys. Often times it is used to coat other metals for corrosion resistance. Architects increasingly employ this material for its UV resistance, natural tones and corrosion resistance.
One of the most common and cheapest metals is aluminum. When in its pure form, this metal is relatively weak and impressionable, but when united to other metals in alloys it becomes much stronger. If aluminum is used for critical applications, it appears as an alloy. Because this material is so light and cheap, most large objects (cars, planes) that require a large metal structure incorporate aluminum as an alloy.
These metals (and a few others) each have their own particular benefits. Rarely will any of these materials constitute a single object by themselves. Normally, objects are a composition or alloy of several of these metals. Even though stainless steel is always composed of iron, carbon and chromium, it may have these other metals as well. All things considered, it should be noted that stainless steel as such is a superior metal in a lot of ways. It is extremely strong, stain resistant, and can be fashioned to fit many different applications.
While titanium and gold may be stronger and more durable, their cost makes them an impractical material for objects when stainless steel pipe can accomplish the job with extreme efficiency and lower cost. The growing popularity of stainless steel over the past century has not happened by accident. If you are considering purchasing a tool, appliance or building a national monument, you should employ the superior qualities of stainless steel. Without a doubt, stainless steel is worth the extra cost as it returns years of durable service in whatever form it is used.
Posted at 09:35AM Feb 04, 2010 Read More... by Rebecca in Stainless steel pipe |
Design and Uses of Perforated Stainless Steel
The perforating of stainless steel is a process made popular due to the many desirable and durable properties of this alloy. Stainless steel is essentially a steel alloy with a minimum of 10% chromium content by mass. Stainless steel (It stains less) is named just that; because it does not stain, corrode, or rust as easily as ordinary carbon or mild steel. It can also be called corrosion-resistant steel. One common misconception however is that it is stain proof, this is an exaggeration of its metallurgic properties.
Stainless steel is available in various grades, approximately one hundred fifty total, yet only fifteen of these grades are commonly used. The individual grades of stainless steel are divided into groups or series based on their specific composition (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 series). The stainless steel is also classified according to its aesthetic finish which is applied after the material has been milled to size and thickness. Some examples of popular finishes are matte, satin, brushed, reflective, mirror, and a simple coarse abrasive finish.
Perforated stainless steel is typically produced using two popular production methods. The first, and more popular, is an all-across perforating press which perforates a row or pattern of holes across the material. The material is fed through the press in a precisely controlled fashion to produce a repetitive pattern. The finished material is automatically sheared or cut into specific lengths to create individual sheets.
The perforated stainless material can also be left intact as a single length of material and wrapped into a coil. A sectional or two axis perforating press is another method of producing a perforated seamless pipe sheet. In this case, the machinery moves the raw material beneath a stationary punching head in various patterns using two horizontal axes to guide the sheet. The end result is a pattern of holes based on the machine program and the desired output. This method is popular for unusual, non-repetitive patterns. It is also used when the raw material is too large or too wide to be physically inserted into an all-across press.
A perforated coil can be bound and shipped to the customer or moved to the next process once the perforating process is complete. The perforated sheets, on the other hand, may endure addition processes depending on their application, at the very least, cleaning and packing for shipment. Other finishing processes may be custom shearing into various shapes and sizes, rolling into cylinders or arches, welding, and forming into various shapes.
One process however that is rarely performed is painting. Stainless steel is designed for use without paint. Its surface is resistant to corrosion, rust, and discoloration and is rarely painted. Most paints will actually have difficulty adhering to the surface unless the surface has been sandblasted or roughed up and hand sanded.
Perforated stainless steel products are seen and used daily around the world. This product is used in many applications on the building and architectural front. It is renowned for its durability and strength, its longevity and ability to withstand the weather, as well as its pleasing appearance in aesthetic and decorative uses.
Many building facades has been designed to accommodate perforated stainless as a means of finishing the exterior. For instance, platforms and railings many times are designed using stainless steel. It is also popular with decorative accents and exterior stainless steel panels which allow light and air to pass freely while supplying a pleasing appearance.
Perforated stainless steel has infinite uses within the industrial as well as consumer markets. It is ideal for any products contacting liquids since it is resistant to rusting and corrosion. Liquid filtration, in particular, is a popular use for this amazing alloy. Perforated products in the food and medical industry are also produced in stainless steel for the same reason.
Stainless steel pipe resists bacterial growth just as it resists corrosion therefore making it the primary raw material for items that contact human consumables. It seems we can find perforated stainless steel all around us, in many instances right before our eyes throughout any given day.
Posted at 09:28AM Feb 03, 2010 Read More... by Rebecca in Stainless steel pipe |
Looking For the Ideal Stainless Steel Wine Cooler
Many modern kitchens today feature beautiful stainless professional appliances - but finding a stainless steel wine cooler is quite a feat. Most coolers have a glass front that may not complement your kitchen's style. One option would be to special order an under counter wine refrigerator, but that can be quite cost prohibitive and may not offer all the features you want in a wine cooler.
With typical wine refrigerators, you do not have options for optimally storing opened wine bottles. Since wine oxidizes when exposed to air, storing partially used bottles is quite challenging. Opened bottles of wine can begin to spoil within hours unless stored with a specially designed wine preservation system.
Pek Preservation Systems offers a unique solution to homeowners desiring a stainless steel wine cooler with features to perfectly preserve and chill their wine. Praised by such media as Bon Appetit Magazine and Time Magazine, Pek wine refrigerators are both stylish and innovative.
Pek offers two choices of home coolers. The VinoVault Professional features an elegant look with European styling which will look great in any kitchen. This wine refrigerator will hold 16 bottles held on wooden slide-out shelves.
Best of all, the great looks of the VinoVault Professional seamless pipe is further enhanced by a built-in wine preservation system that will allow storage of opened wine bottles. The wine cooler comes equipped with two professional wine stoppers with click and pour technology.
This top-rated wine refrigerator is perfect for those who seek an eco-friendly option. Utilizing heat pipe technology, VinoVaults are ten times more efficient than regular wine coolers. This technology combined with ultra quiet operations makes it a top-rated wine refrigerator.
Pek offers a smaller stainless steel cooler, the VinoVault, which is similar to the Professional model. It features space to perfectly chill 14 bottles on chrome slide-out shelves. It also offers the built-in wine preservation system for opened wine bottles.
Vino Vaults are perfect for those people who enjoy wine by the glass or for storing leftover wine after a casual dinner. Customer testimonials for these wine cooler preservation systems are quite positive, mostly focusing on the fact that that open wine bottles remain fresh.
Your investment in a Pek Vino Vault will reward you with an eco-friendly stainless steel pipe wine cooler as well as its unique built-in wine preservation system. Collecting and enjoying fine wine is certainly more pleasurable when your wine stays fresh and perfectly chilled!
Posted at 09:35AM Feb 02, 2010 Read More... by Rebecca in Stainless steel pipe |
Stainless Steel Pipe Shelving
One of the most important parts of the house that should be maintained well is the kitchen. It should be kept safe enough because this is where our food is prepared. And one way to keep safety in the kitchen is to avoid clutter. Just how can you avoid clutter, you might ask? One way is to keep the kitchen pipe shelved with Stainless steel pipe shelving.
Having a shelving for the kitchen pipe, and a stainless steel at that helps make sure that rust wont be spoiling your food and in worst scenario spoil your health.
So just how do you choose an excellent Stainless steel pipe shelving for your kitchen?
Here are the features that you must look for in buying Stainless steel pipe shelving:
1.Function
You dont get just any shelving that you see in a home remodeling or home furniture store. You will know that you have the right Stainless steel pipe shelving if it serves its purpose well. For specific brands and products, ask your family, friends, handyman or construction builders opinion which amongst those available Stainless steel pipe shelving products are doing quite well. But of course, you need to have an idea about your kitchens needs first before you can just nod on any kind of Stainless steel pipe shelving.
2.Aesthetics and Practicality
These two features should go hand in hand. If your Stainless steel pipe shelving is nice to look at but will cost you a fortune, you have to rethink buying it. Set a budget first before you go scouting for that ideal seamless pipe shelving. But if youre one who lives like the rich and famous, go ahead, buy that most elegant-looking Stainless steel pipe youll see.
3.Maintenance and Assembly Effort
One best feature of excellent Stainless steel pipe shelving is its being low maintenance. If it will take you more time cleaning your Stainless steel pipe shelving than the time you spend cleaning your car, and your kitchens not even that of a mansions, forget about buying that kind of Stainless steel pipe shelving. How will you know if its high maintenance or low maintenance? Too intricate design and people who have used that Stainless steel pipe shelving you are eying on should inform you. Dont forget to ask the sales clerk and look at the Stainless steel pipe shelvings manual for any special maintenance or cleaning requirements.
Getting it assembled should also be one issue if you are looking Stainless steel pipe shelving that will suit your kitchen, budget and of course assemblage powers. Are you a do it yourselfer? That will be cool because you will save more money than asking someone to work on getting your Stainless steel pipe shelving assembled. But that does not necessarily mean it will you save you time, of course. Again, the Stainless steel pipe shelvings manual should inform you how much effort it will require you in getting it ready for the kitchen.
If you are not a DIYer, look for someone who can help you with putting it up. But if putting the Stainless steel pipe shelving will cost you more than getting one room remodeled or redesigned, think about it first. Or better, look for another kind, brand, or model of stainless kitchen pipe shelving.
Posted at 10:49AM Feb 01, 2010 Read More... by Rebecca in Stainless steel pipe |
A Look at Unique and Durable Stainless Steel Water Bottles
Stainless steel water bottles are durable, unique, and easy to clean.
On the go individuals looking for sturdy water bottle designs that won't break or leak should consider stainless steel made bottles for their hydration needs. A few companies make stainless steel water bottles and 5 have been chosen for this review.
Keep in mind that one big downside to stainless steel water bottles is that some of them wear quicker when washed in a dishwasher unlike some plastic counterparts. However they won't leak or break and won't have that plastic aftertaste that some bottles have.
New Wave makes a variety of stainless steel water bottle and food storage products. Their water bottles come in sizes ranging from 0.6 liters to 40 ounces.
The stainless steel bottles designed by New Wave come in a variety of shapes and sizes as well as a range of tinted steel colors. The 0.6 liter bottles have specially designed tops that allow them to be easily attached to backpacks, belt loops, and hooks.
Klean Kanteen on their website claims to be the original stainless steel water bottle. The sizes of the bottles range from 12 ounces up to 40 ounces and all models features the special screw on cap that allows for attachment to backpacks and hooks.
They have a sleek design and all of the sizes have a similar shape and grip. According to the company website, Klean's stainless steel water bottles are lined on the inside with a material that protects them and allows them to be washed in the dishwasher.
The color designs of these bottles are classy and have a glossy look on the outside. Klean also explains that their bottles are recyclable as well.
Nathan Sports makes these stainless steel water bottles that range in size from 500ml to 1 liter sizes. They have set themselves apart from the competition with the patent pending flip straw top designthat allows you to get the hydration you need without spilling the liquid all over. The flip top connects to an internal straw that goes all the way down to the bottom of the bottle. Plus it is leak proof and dishwasher safe.
The color and designs are also unique to these bottles. The colors come in types such as Pink Love and Green Recycle and some bottles feature images of animals and other nature friendly designs on them.
A bit more expensive when it comes to water bottles but this may be due to the straw design feature.
Earthlust Stainless steel pipe are made in limited edition batches making them a unique and attention getting water bottle. They are naturally unlined stainless steel and safe for a variety of liquids.
They come in sizes ranging from 13 ounces up to 1 liter. Each bottle has a unique art design and color with many of the bottles being limited edition designs. Clearly Earthlust is aiming for a market of water bottle users that appreciate a good looking, artistically designed bottle.
I was impressed by the art and designs of these bottles, many that come with tops that come with the clips needed to clip your bottle onto backpacks and belt loops. Surprisingly they cost less than some bottles with little or no aesthetic appeal.
These stainless steel bottles are incredibly unique and while I don't currently own an Earthlust water bottle I may consider purchasing one after seeing what they offer. They also make hats and carry bags with a focus on environmental protection.
What caught my attention about ThinkSport stainless steel bottles was their dedication and focus to producing 100% safe and toxin free bottle designs. While most companies produce safe water bottles, ThinkSport focuses on bottles that won't break down over time and thus remain safe for the duration of their usage time.
They are double walled and have a vacuum sealed design which is said to keep beverages hot or cold for hours.
They mainly come in just two sizes, 350ml and 750ml sizes. While they lack the hook or open circle style caps that many stainless steel bottles have for attachment purposes, the ThinkSmart bottles do still feature an attached screw on lid.
Look wise they come in black and grey with white text stating 'Think Smart' on them. So for someone who wants to have a unique looking bottle, this might not be the water bottle for them.
All stainless steel bottles are durable and many are designed to be dishwasher safe. Always make sure you check the specifications on the specific stainless steel bottle that you purchase as those that are not dishwasher safe could become worn down or unsafe to use after breaking down.
This writer has learned a lot about seamless pipe and was impressed by the wide range of stainless steel bottles and the sheer artistic nature of many of the companies making them.
Posted at 09:45AM Jan 25, 2010 Read More... by Rebecca in Stainless steel pipe |
Stainless Steel and Non Stick Cooking Pans
I have had cheap, medium priced and expensive stainless steel, cheap, medium priced and expensive non-stick and at all price brackets stainless steel beats the non-stick. Although I have also learned that one should buy the best (which, if you look for one indicator, means the heaviest and thickest-based) cookware one can afford, unless it's only for temporary arrangement.
I have been cooking for about 15 years now, and I tried almost the whole gamut of cookware products. All have their benefits, and I wouldn't be without my cast-iron enamelled Le Creusets or silicone loaf tin. Copper pans have fantastic uses too. Overall, though, for pots and pans for the majority of cooking tasks you can't beat stainless steel (although I do keep my eyes open for hard anodised not-non-stick finishes, but these, so far, have been too expensive for the relatively small extra benefit).
Why?
1)Stainless steel will last longer. Whatever you do, if used regularly and in a normal manner, the non-stick coating will, eventually, develop scratches, and peel and crack. In fact, it's recommended to change the non-stick cookware every few years! Excuse me, but I can't afford (and in all honesty, don't want to) use a product that seems to have built-in obsolescence. If I spend 40GBP ($80) on a cooking pot, I expect it to last for many years, not to need replacing almost as soon as I get used to it.
2)Stainless steel is much more forgiving. With most non-stick surfaces, you are limited in the range of cooking tools and cleaning implements that you can use. Even the ingredients of your dish (bones and shells for example) can scratch the surface! I am busy and cook in a flurry of creative chaos (to call it nicely) and I think the effort to keep special plastic or wooden tools for the pot or pots I am using is just not worth the additional benefit. Plus, once those little scratches appear, something will stick and as you try to clean it, the surface will get damaged more, and then stick more, and so on.
3)Non stick sticks. I am yet to see a truly non-stick non-stick. It might be my personal talent for burning things, but they do, occasionally, burn, cook dry, overheat and similar. With a stainless steel cookware it can pretty much always be scraped, scrubbed and sanded off. With a non-stick surface, although it might take longer for the disaster to happen, once it's stuck, that's it: you can't resort to Brillo pads or sharp blades, you can only throw the thing away.
4)Stainless steel pipe is more heat resistant. It can be used in the oven at all temperatures (including over 200C), and if you accidentally overheat it on the hob, it doesn't start to emit mysterious fumes, but just goes, well, very, very hot.
5)Non stick produces noxious fumes. Overheated stainless steel fumes won't give you a headache, kill your canary or cause bad reaction in your child. In fact, there won't be any fumes at all, just a very hot pan. Overheated non-stick can produce pretty noxious fumes that have been known to kill pet birds and cause people to suffer to.
6)Stainless steel doesn't chip and the chips are not a health hazard, like chips of non-stick are often considered to be.
7)Non stick is more fragile. You can stack stainless steel pans inside each other, chuck other things made of metal into them and generally store them with much less care than you have to give to non-stick.
8)Good seamless pipe doesn't clean any worse than non-stick with a bit of a soak, and is in fact much easier to clean if anything does stick.
My favourite stainless steel cookware brand is Stellar (I like Lamina & 1000 series, but if you are sill unconvinced, they do lots of non-stick too!).
Posted at 11:02AM Jan 22, 2010 Read More... by Rebecca in Stainless steel pipe |
Steel and Pipe Used for Anything from Cars to Construction
There are probably as many different Stainless steel pipe products on offer in the market as there are different uses for them - and with steel used in almost anything from construction to packaging, it's hard to keep track of all the different types.
While steel manufacturers have different specs for steel and pipe on offer, there are some broad categorizations to help users make informed decisions.
Firstly, all steel and pipe are alloys in which iron is mixed with carbon and other elements. Steels are therefore described as mild, medium- or high-carbon steels, depending on the percentage carbon they contain. The higher the carbon content, the harder the steel will be.
Metals such as nickel and chromium can also be added to produce alloy steels, for example stainless steel, which is used in high-end, quality steel products. Galvanized steel is coated with zinc to prevent corrosion, for example for the use of roof sheeting.
Galvanized pipe is also mainly used in construction, while corrugated steel pipes will be used more often for drainage, sewer and transportation. Seamless pipe, made from high-quality steel, is used for steam boilers and pipelines.
Steel products can be divided into two groups - flat and long products. Flat steel is used in the manufacture of cars, electrical products, sheeting, coils and pipes. Long products, on the other hand, are mainly used in construction.
Steel and pipe buyers will also come across the terms hot rolled and cold rolled steel. This refers to the heat treatment given during the production process, and has an impact on the qualities of the product. Cold rolled products are normally harder and more brittle, while hot rolled steel and pipe will be softer.
In addition to the different qualities of steel and seamless pipe products, they are also available in a wide variety of different sizes and thicknesses.
Posted at 10:59AM Jan 21, 2010 Read More... by Rebecca in Stainless steel pipe |
Stainless steel Goes Under the Microscope at UTC
May's Shop Talk began a series on the materials used in our industry. The series continues with stainless steel.
Stainless steel: Most people have heard of, and even used, stainless steel. This material is used for many things from table flatware to aircraft parts. Stainless steel is so called because of its resistance to corrosion. There are two broad groups of stainless steel. Like other types of steel, these groups are classified according to the chemical composition of the material.
400 series: One group is called 400 series stainless steel. This group is coded by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) as 51403-51502, where the American Iron and Steel Institute uses the final three digits and calls these steel 403-502. The first digit (5), indicates a chromium steel and the additional digits indicate varying additional elements which determine the characteristics of the material.
Turn over a fork or spoon. Unless you're using grandmother's silver, it probably says "stainless." Flatware is the most recognizable use of 400 series stainless steel.
Machining 400 series stainless: 400 series steel are used in a wide variety of machining applications. It has better machining characteristics than the 300 series steel.
When drilling and tapping 400 series stainless steel, cobalt tooling works well. For rough and finish turning, carbide tooling is sufficient at speeds of 300 to 700 SFPM. Lower SFPM should be selected with this harder material. Overall, 400 seamless pipe is machined similar to a preheat-treated alloy steel.
400 series steel can be supplied in a heat-treated condition resulting in reduced cutting speeds. The 400 series stainless is magnetic and allows for heat treatment procedures. It does not possess the high corrosion resistance of 300 series steel but it can be hardened to 50 Rc.
Escalating steel prices seen as a reason to reduce the supply base and seek out substitute materials.
Value analysis was initiated in late 2005 for the half-dozen metalworking companies under the United Technologies Corp. umbrella when it became apparent this year's corporate cost of stainless steel sheet was heading for an increase of 35% and maybe higher.
'There are lots of opportunities for value analysis within the commercial group that would both reduce future cost and increase the functionality of our metals buys,' says Troy McFarlane, commodity manager for commercial metals at UTC in Farmington, Conn. 'We decided to go with stainless steel, first, because of the volume of the total buy (around 20,000 tons/year on average) and the inflation rate our businesses were trying to handle individually. Also because of the possible use of duplex, martensitic and ferritic grades of stainless steel in which nickel plays a lesser role than in austenitic and precipitation hardening stainless steel.'
All metals are targeted
Stainless steel pipe is just the first of what will be a corporate value analysis project for all production metals sponsored by senior management at each metal-using division. The idea is to eventually consolidate purchasing of a slimmed-down family of steel, aluminum and copper products used by the commercial and industrial firms of Otis Elevator, Carrier, UTC Fire & Security and Hamilton Sundstrand Industrials' units of Sullair, Sundyne and Milton Roy.
"First, even before we delved into the VA (value analysis) process", says McFarlane, we had to complete due diligence about just what stainless steel our companies bought, why they bought those specific grades and who they bought them from.' Since all the UTC metalworking companies use some form of stainless steel sheet, the project took on a degree of urgency when it became obvious that buyers of stainless steel were watching a pricing tidal wave approach their shores this year.
Posted at 02:55PM Jan 20, 2010 Read More... by Rebecca in Stainless steel pipe |
Method for protecting stainless steel pipe
1.Method for protecting stainless steel flow-conducting component used in hot geothermal brine service from chloride stress corrosion caused by contact of geothermal brine with an exterior surface of said component comprising thermally coating said exterior surface with metal having an electrode potential more negative than that of the stainless steel being protected.
2.For protecting flow-conducting component constructed of stainless steel containing less than about 15 weight percent nickel used in geothermal brine service from chloride stress corrosion caused by contact of geothermal brine having temperature of at least about 150° F. with an exterior surface of said component comprising thermally-spraying onto an exterior surface thereof metal selected from the group consisting of mild steel, aluminum, zinc, magnesium, and mixtures thereof to provide metal coating of at least about 5 mils.
3.The protective method as claimed in claim 2 wherein said stainless steel is selected from austenitic stainless steel and chrome-duplex types of stainless steels.
4.For protecting stainless steel flow-conducting component used in geothermal brine service from stress corrosion cracking caused by contact of geothermal brine with an exterior surface of said component comprising thermally-spraying onto said exterior surface in region of residual stress metal having an electrode potential more negative than that of the stainless steel being protected.
5.Method for protecting stainless steel flow-conducting component through which is flowed corrosive geothermal brine having temperature of at least about 150° F. from stress corrosion cracking caused by contact of geothermal brine with an exterior surface of said component comprising thermally-spraying mild steel onto said exterior surface in region of residual stress to provide thereon mild steel coating of at least about 5 mils.
6.The protective method as claimed in claim 5 wherein the stainless steel flow-conducting component is constructed of stainless steel selected from austenitic stainless steel and chrome-duplex types of seamless pipe.
7.An article consisting of stainless steel having surface thereof coated with metal having an electrode potential more negative than that of said stainless steel, said stainless steel being selected from austenitic stainless steel and chrome-duplex stainless steel, said metal being coated upon said surface to thickness of at least about 5 mils.
8.An article for use in hot geothermal brine service consisting of stainless steel flow-conducting component having nickel content less than about 18 percent, an exterior surface of said component having thereon coating of metal selected from the group consisting of mild steel, aluminum, magnesium, zinc and mixtures thereof, said coating having thickness of about 5 to about 40 mils.
9.The article as claimed in claim 8 wherein said stainless steel is selected from the group consisting of austenitic steel and chrome-duplex steel.
10.A stainless steel component having an interior surface for conducting flow of hot geothermal brine through said component and an external surface, at least portion of which is coated with metal having an electrode potential more negative than said stainless steel.
11. The component as claimed in claim 10 wherein said stainless steel pipe is selected from the group consisting of austenitic stainless steel and chrome-duplex stainless steel.
Posted at 03:55PM Jan 19, 2010 Read More... by Rebecca in Stainless steel pipe |
