Interior Linings for Enhancing Process Equipment Durability
The interior of process equipment faces diverse challenges, ranging from extreme temperatures to abrasive materials and corrosive chemicals. To help our clients combat these issues and extend equipment lifespan, we offer a range of interior lining solutions tailored to their needs.
Interior Lining Options
Harder or Specialty Steels
Depending on the application, adding a harder or specialty steel interior lining improves wear resistance, minimizes erosion, and extends equipment lifespan cost-effectively. Here are two common examples where they make a difference.
Erosion Protection for Cyclone Inlets
The inlet section of a cyclone is the area most likely to experience issues with erosion due to a combination of high particulate loading and high velocities.
To extend equipment lifespan, a customer may line the inlet section with a specialty steel, such as AR steel, over a base layer of carbon steel. This added protection increases resistance to wear, minimizing material loss and maintaining efficiency in high-wear environments.
Preventing Buildup in Dust Receivers
When handling sticky or cohesive materials, buildup can cause agglomeration and bridging, leading to inefficiencies—especially in dust receivers.
To prevent buildup, we can line the dust receiver with polished stainless steel over a base carbon steel. This polished interior reduces sticking, prevents blockages, and keeps operations running smoothly.
Refractory Materials – Castable Refractory Cement
Refractories, such as Rescobond AA-22S, are beneficial for providing thermal and abrasion protection, or both, for process equipment. These materials play a crucial role in enabling equipment to operate continuously over extended periods without shutdown.
The Refractory Installation Process
Similar to the application of cement, refractory materials are usually anchored to the base metal using a metal hex mesh. The dry refractory is mixed with water to form a cement-like substance, which is then applied to the interior of process equipment. Once applied, heat curing is required to remove moisture and ensure the refractory lining properly sets. Though time-consuming, this process ensures long-term equipment durability and efficiency.
Cost-Saving Benefits of Refractory Linings
Refractory linings not only protect the base metal from abrasion but also regulate internal temperatures. This allows for the use of more cost-effective base materials such as stainless or carbon steel, reducing the need for costly specialty metals.
For instance, in applications where temperatures reach 1200°F, the addition of a few inches of interior thermal refractory can significantly lower the equipment shell temperature. This reduction allows materials like 304 stainless steel or even carbon steel to be used instead of more costly specialty metals.
Combining Thermal and Abrasion Resistance
In some cases, both thermal protection and abrasion resistance are necessary to maintain the integrity of the vessel. This can be achieved by layering abrasion-resistant refractory over thermal-resistant ones, providing comprehensive protection for the equipment.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles provide a lightweight, abrasion-resistant lining for protecting the interior surfaces of process equipment. Individually installed, they offer durable wear protection while reducing overall equipment weight compared to refractory linings. Their thin profile enhances resistance to wear and minimizes added weight, making them an efficient alternative for industrial applications.
Designed for demanding environments, these tiles deliver superior protection, reducing downtime and maintenance costs while optimizing equipment efficiency.
Equipment Accessories & Options
Interior linings are just one way to customize industrial air filtration systems, providing protection from harsh conditions while enhancing durability and efficiency. Beyond interior linings, we offer a wide range of customization options and accessories, ensuring precise, reliable solutions tailored to your operational needs. Explore your options below.
