Sound technical content, curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing since 1989
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sulfuric acid resistant reactors for Activated Bleaching Earth plant
Q. We are trying to design reactors for an Activated Bleaching Earth Plant. Typical reactants, Bentonite Clay, Water (lots of!) and sulfuric Acid, about 10% by volume. Typical conditions, Pressure 0-30 psi and Temp 110 °C. Glass lining is not available, neither is Teflon lining. Any suggestions? Rubber lining with Acid proof bricks?
Regards,
chemical manufacturing - Karachi, Sind, Pakistan
2005
A. I can't tell you whether rubber lining plus acid proof brick will work, but I can tell you that the purpose of acid proof brick is (in addition to limiting mechanical damage) to impose a temperature differential between the solution and the rubber lining so that rubber can be used for corrosion resistance even when the temperature of the solution seems too hot for it.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2005
2005
A. Hi Tyab,
'twould be nice to know the SIZE of your reactors ! Both size and shape.
Teflon sounds nice but is very expensive ... and rubber is a typical material when protected from abrasion by the bricks ... but Bentonite bricks? Won't the sulfuric attack them easily due to their calcium content?
As far as plastics are concerned, think of PVDF ... costs less than the weldable fluorocarbons but rubber sure sounds the way to go.
Freeman Newton [deceased]
(It is our sad duty to advise that Freeman passed away
April 21, 2012. R.I.P. old friend).
2006
Thanks Ted and Freeman for the advice.
We're looking at reactors with a diameter of about 3 meters and shell/cylindrical height of 5 meters with dish ends on the top and conical at the bottom to easy discharge. Volume cap = 5000 Gallons. Brick lining will be with acid proof bricks and not bentonite bricks. Bentonite is present in the slurry being processed.
Somebody suggested that there should be a flanged joint between the shell and conical end to ease curing after coating of the reactor. Any comments?
Best Regards,
- Karachi, Pakistan
A. In India, we use latest technology of ceramic based POLYURETHANE COATINGS which are very stable at any concentration of acids and the temperature 110 °C.
Girish m. JoshiManthanCosultancy - Anjar-Kutch, Gujarat, India
2006
A. In my opinion rubber + brick lining is the conventional way to do it. It will work. An option would be to take a polyester or vinylester lining instead of rubber.
Q. Mr. Joshi I would be interestet which POLYURETHANE you use and in references.
Kind Regards,
- Linda, Germany
2006
A. THERE ARE DIFF MATERIALS WHICH CAN BE USED FOR ACID ACTIVATED BENTONITE REACTORS. IT ALL DEPENDS ON WHAT IS AVAILABLE AT YOUR PLACE.
SUDESH.SBLEACHING EARTH - MUMBAI, MAHARASTRA, INDIA
2007
A. For 10% sulfuric acid at 90 degree centrigrade you can safely use Hard rubber lined Mild Steel reactor. We have used it for more than 15 years.
Dr. vilas ArasARAS ASSOCIATES - vadodara, India
May 16, 2015
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