Resistant to Corrosion Since stainless steel is resistant to corrosion, it is a preferred choice in almost every industry. From automotive to power generation to manufacturing and even food processing, stainless steel finds its place. Stainless steel proves to be an ideal choice as it has an almost impenetrable resistance to corrosion.
This means that the stainless steel flange guard can effectively protect against corrosion while it ensures the safe flow of chemical substances and fluids. It is also effective in preventing heat exchangers from coming in contact with the pipeline. Heat exchangers are designed to carry solids and liquids at a faster rate; thus, causing catastrophic damage to pipeline or storage tanks. The stainless steel flange guards prevent the heat exchanger from contacting the pipeline thus protecting them from corrosion and loss.
Other Benefits Besides being highly resistant to corrosion, stainless steel flange guards have the ability to enhance pipeline safety. Apart from keeping pipeline unharmed, they also ensure safety from other hazards, such as the escape of flammable vapors and gases. Other properties of these stainless steel flange guards include the capacity to resist extreme temperatures, which is important in industries such as the power generation, petroleum refining, mineral extraction, etc. This property enables industries to use these materials in applications where extreme temperatures are a common occurrence. For instance, the material can be used for pipes that carry corrosive materials.
It is important to note that all types of this corrosion resistant metal are alloyed with molybdenum steel, which forms the core of the material. The presence of this additional alloy increases the strength of the metal, thereby making it more resistant to mechanical damage. However, one of the most unique features of this type of corrosion resistant material is its flexibility. Due to its high performance properties, it can be used to build different shapes. These include flanges, pipes and other similar structures.
An important advantage of using stainless steel flange guards is the reduction in the overall length of pipeline. Usually, the inner diameter of an inner tube is between five and twelve inches, while the outer diameter is between two and three inches. Since the outer diameter is much smaller than the inner diameter, the inner tubes are often required to have larger flange joints. If any type of pipe is used that is too long in terms of its inner diameter, then the pipe will encounter problems such as joint stress cracking, vibrating, and overheating. A stainless steel flange guard that is two inches in depth will reduce the joint stress, increase rigidity, and help prevent cracking.
Another advantage of using a stainless steel pipe flange guard is that they can reduce corrosion by forming a barrier against acid corrosion. Corrosion occurs when an acid chemical splashes into the surface of the stainless steel pipe and reacts with the minerals and other compounds that exist on the surface. This causes a visible scar on the stainless steel pipe, which prevents further corrosion. A stainless steel pipe flange guard that consists of chromium has been found to significantly reduce the rate at which corrosive chemicals enter the pipe.
High yield carbon steel flanges have been found to be highly effective in combating corrosion by reducing the internal pressure within the welding area. Specifically, high yield carbon steel flanges combined with stainless steel reinforcement, such as welding rods, have been found to reduce the occurrence of fatigue crack and fatigue burn in weld puddle operations, as well as reducing heat build-up and welding ark effect. Carbon steels are also useful for reducing welding arc movement and arc flash, especially where high carbon and chromium alloys are used. Since carbon steels can only be used in some places because of their very high carbon content, welding electrodes need to be located in such locations where they make the most efficient use of these alloys.
When stainless steel is used to surround welded metal parts, it significantly reduces the amount of corrosion that takes place. The alloys prevent the formation of corrosion hot joints by creating a very protective environment in which corrosion does not occur. This is one reason why stainless steel pipes are commonly used in shipboard applications. While they cannot prevent the occurrence of galvanic corrosion – which is a dangerous, sudden corrosion process – they can greatly reduce its severity.