Silicone distillation problems
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In our production process, chlorosilanes are used extensively (and hydrolyze upon contact with water vapor to produce residues). The distillation towers currently in use are made of carbon steel and stainless steel. We are now planning to expand production capacity through technical upgrades, and there are two differing opinions within our company regarding the material to be used for these towers: one group supports the use of stainless steel for distilling chlorosilanes, while the other advocates for the use of glass-lined distillation towers. Dear senior engineers with extensive experience, I would appreciate it if you could clarify the advantages and disadvantages of stainless steel and enamel materials in terms of operation, maintenance, and cost for distillation towers. . .
They actually chose stainless steel – amazing!
Bro, could you please analyze your opinion? Thanks. Do you think carbon steel is more suitable?
As long as the system is properly sealed, carbon steel is more than sufficient. What other substances are contained in chlorosilanes, such as chlorine gas? In that case, using stainless steel is not suitable. If the sealing isn’t done properly, or if there’s water present, then there’s nothing I can do. Enameled surfaces can be considered, but the cost and installation are quite troublesome; once it’s properly adjusted, it doesn’t matter.
I’m sorry, I just saw it – chlorosilanes contain free chloride ions, even in trace amounts. Chloride ions have a much stronger corrosive effect on stainless steel than on carbon steel
Carbon steel 11111111111
Chlorosilanes release HCl gas when they come into contact with water vapor, and this gas can corrode metals. Glass-lined distillation towers may have higher construction costs, but they offer much better durability.
The company used stainless steel in the past
Use carbon steel; all of our more than a dozen chlorosilane distillation towers are made of carbon steel – do not use stainless steel due to the issue of corrosion by chlorine
CS will do; stainless steel corrodes severely； Enameled versions are troublesome to install; once leaks occur, corrosion sets in quickly, so they are not recommended
If the issue of stainless steel corrosion is properly addressed, it’s not as serious as one might think