I would like to ask about the selection of materials for esterification reaction equipment!
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What material should be used to make the reboiler for the esterification reaction? Within two or three months, the 316L heat exchange tubes became corroded and started leaking in various places. . .
The heat exchange tubes made of 316L are corroded and leaking everywhere; is it possible that inferior material was used instead of genuine 316L?
What products do you produce?
Could you tell me about the main media and process parameters? Graphite heat exchangers are used in many esterification processes. --
The same is the case with our group company. The 316L material is severely corroded.
Without the process conditions, it seems only those who are experts in this field can provide an answer.
Was the wrong material chosen? What should be used that is more corrosion-resistant than 316l?
Esterification reactor; I use one lined with enamel here
For the reboiler used in the esterification reaction of ethyl acetate, sulfuric acid at a concentration of less than 10% is generally used as a catalyst. For 10% concentrated sulfuric acid, Inconel 625 has an erosion rate of 1.2 mm/year; Hastelloy C-276 has an erosion rate of 0.58 mm/year; VDM 59 (Nicrofer 5925 hMo) has an erosion rate of 0.15 mm/year. When there is no pressure, enamel or graphite may be suitable options, while VDM 59 is the best choice when pressure is present!