WHY MATERIAL CHOICES MATTER
Harsh conditions, including corrosive chemicals and temperature fluctuations, require robust flow monitoring solutions made with durable parts. Every component of a flow meter needs to be able to withstand fluctuating process conditions and potential exposures. While stainless steel (SS) is often a preferred choice for its reliability, not all SS is created equal. Composition is key to its durability.
WHAT’S IN STAINLESS STEEL?
SS is an iron-based alloy with at least 10.5% chromium, enhancing its corrosion resistance. Chromium, nickel, and molybdenum improve its properties, with the AISI system categorizing SS alloys into series 200, 300, and 400. The 300 series is most common in industrial applications.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SS304 AND SS316
- SS304: Contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel; durable and corrosion-resistant, often used in auto molding, pressure vessels and piping.
- SS316: Contains 16% chromium, 10% nickel, and 2% molybdenum; ideal for pharmaceutical manufacturing and outdoor use due to its superior resistance to salt and chlorides. Superior heat resistance and defence against chemicals like chlorides, iodides and bromides make it the preferred choice for harsh industrial environments.
KYNAR: A HIGH-PERFORMANCE RESIN ALTERNATIVE TO STAINLESS STEEL
Corrosive attacks happen at a molecular level. Kynar® (a brand name for PVDF, or polyvinylidene fluoride) is a high-performance thermoplastic fluoropolymer resin. Its chemical resistance comes from its main building block, Vinylidene Fluoride Monomer. Various additives may be included to enhance properties such as UV strength, impact strength, or processing characteristics.
Due to Kynar®’s high resistance to chemicals, abrasion, and UV radiation, it is suitable for demanding flow monitoring applications in industries like chemical processing and water treatment. It’s a popular choice for seal water monitors assembled with glass tubes and stainless steel floats for better chemical resistance.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT FLOW METER
Operating conditions and variations will dictate the best material choices for each flow monitoring application. For guidance, here’s a step-by-step approach to finding the right flow meter.
ESKO Pacific is pleased to offer a range of customizable metering equipment utilizing both SS and Kynar® for the most durable product selections as well as other materials such as acrylic and Delrin ® (POM), suited to less demanding applications. Contact ESKO to discuss your metering requirements!
