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Sulphuric Acid on the WebTM Technical Manual DKL Engineering, Inc.

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Sulphuric Acid on the Web

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Materials of Construction - Mesh Pads

The small wire diameter typically used in the construction of a mesh pad make corrosion resistance an important factor in selecting the matierla of construction for a mesh pad.  A corrosion rate of 0.005 inches per year is not serious where the material is quite thick such as in a vessel wall.  However, mesh pad wire diameters are typically 0.011 inches in diameter and a corrosion rate of 0.005 inches per year will destroy a mesh pad in 2 years or less. 

Materials with superior corrosion resistance generally come at a premium cost.  Thus the initial capital cost of a pad must be compared to the expected life and subsequent replacement costs.

Where a suitable metal is not available for the service, a non-metallic material may be suitable.  Non-metallics often offered superior resistance to metals but are limited by high operating or upset temperatures.

Item Material Comments
Mesh 316L SS Most economical material but shortest life
Alloy 20 Upgrade from 316L SS with improved life
LEWMET® Estimated to last 3 to 5 times longer than alloy 20 mesh pads.
For use in 93% H2SO4 service.
SX® Estimated to last 3 to 5 times longer than alloy 20 mesh pads.
For use in 98% H2SO4 service.
Alloy 66
PTFE Mesh can be solely PTFE or PTFE can be co-knitted with one of the metal wires to form a composite pad.
ETFE Material of consturction for Kimre, Inc. B-GON® mist eliminators
Support Grids 316L SS Most economical material but shortest life
Alloy 20 Upgrade from 316L SS with improved life
Tie Down Wires Alloy 20

Non-metallic materials are limited by operating temperature.  One disadvantage of non-metallic materials is the risk of damage to the pad if hot gases were to backflow into the tower.