Alternative to carbon steel for pipe manufacture?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on alternatives to carbon steel for pipe manufacture in methanol processing lines, specifically considering duplex steels like Inconel 625 and HASTELLOY. The user highlights the significantly higher costs associated with nickel-based materials compared to carbon steel, including both material and manufacturing expenses. The conversation also suggests evaluating 304 and 316 stainless steels as potential alternatives, noting their availability and mass production advantages, despite concerns regarding their corrosion resistance under specific conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of corrosion mechanisms such as erosion/corrosion and pitting corrosion.
  • Familiarity with materials used in pipe manufacturing, specifically carbon steel, Inconel 625, HASTELLOY, 304, and 316 stainless steels.
  • Knowledge of chemical compatibility in industrial applications.
  • Basic cost analysis skills for material procurement and manufacturing processes.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the corrosion resistance properties of Inconel 625 and HASTELLOY in methanol applications.
  • Investigate the cost implications of using 304 and 316 stainless steels compared to carbon steel.
  • Explore suppliers and availability of nickel-based materials for pipe manufacturing.
  • Learn about the specific processing conditions that affect material selection in corrosive environments.
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, materials scientists, and procurement specialists involved in the design and maintenance of piping systems in chemical processing industries, particularly those dealing with corrosive substances like methanol.

g0ggs123
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I am doing research into an internal corrosion/erosion problem on a methanol pipework processing line. The pipe is made out of carbon steel and I am looking at replacing it with a duplex steel like Inconel 625 or HASTELLOY. Does anyone know how I could go about working out the costs involved so I can get an idea of how much it will be to replace carbon steel pipes with these?
 
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Let me just say that you will be paying orders of magnitudes more for Inco or Hastalloy. Any nickel based material is going to be very expensive. Not only for material costs, but also because there aren't that many places that sell it so you would probably be looking at a specific mill run for your straight run piping. Let's not talk about fittings.

I don't have a chemical compatibility chart with me right now, but have you completely ruled out 304 or 316 stainless? They are mass produced with all sorts of fittings, etc... readily available.
 
FredGarvin said:
I don't have a chemical compatibility chart with me right now, but have you completely ruled out 304 or 316 stainless? They are mass produced with all sorts of fittings, etc... readily available.

316 could be another option, the corrosion mechanisms include synergetic effect of erosion/corrosion, impingement corrosion and pitting corrosion, however, so that's why I was thinking along the lines of Inc or hast. Would 316 be up to the task? I can give you the processing conditions if that would help.

Cheers for your reply
 

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