The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
-----

Lifting Sling Inquiry

I am the chemist in the Metal Finishing department of our company. I need to identify a woven lifting sling material which is compatible with the following solutions: 1. 10% (all conc. by weight) Sodium Hydroxide, 140 deg.F, 15 min. immersion time, 2. 1% Hydrofluoric acid, 10% Nitric acid, 150 deg.F, 15 min. immersion time, 3. 20% Nitric acid, 135 deg.F, 30 min. immersion time, 4. Deionized water, 180 °F., 5 min. immersion time. The slings have to be available in a flat profile with closed loops on the ends. Our local supplier has been unable to recommend a sling meeting all these requirements. If anyone has suggestions that would help, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thomas Kemp
Steris Corp. - Erie, Pa., U.S.A.
2000

---

It might be possible to find such a strap, but it probably would have to be special made for you. Woven---This will wick solution more than you could imagine. Carry over will be significant. Chemical reaction between the alkali and the acid will significantly raise the temp and the chemical attack on the strap. Salt formation will act like an abrasive.

Poor idea.

A plastisol coated flat bar of stainless steel will do nearly as well, but may take a little more thought in design.

I have used polypropylene custom built (ME) to carry some rather large loads and still be relatively easy to use and have the least contamination possible.

Will 316 SS chain work? Chain and flat stock?

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2000

You might want to look at some of the Kevlar woven slings that Grainger has.....I have used them at much higher temps then you list......and if I remember right, my Dear old Dad said that Kevlar has similar chemical resistance properties as Borosilicate Glass.( I use two 1" wide endless loop slings made of Kevlar to lift my ford explorer up with a chain fall when I have to work on it!)

David Emmerich
Mt. Stone - Smiths Grove Ky
2000