Optimized sight glass solution for extreme operating conditions
An Australian customer from the chemical industry faced a significant problem: In his facility, which processes lithium hydroxide, sight glasses had to be replaced regularly every six weeks. This not only led to high operating costs but also to frequent production interruptions, as the plant had to be shut down for maintenance. The customer urgently sought a durable and robust solution that withstands the aggressive properties of lithium hydroxide.
Challenges
Lithium hydroxide is a highly alkaline medium with a very high pH value. Conventional sight glasses could not withstand the chemical attacks, resulting in rapid material degradation and thus frequent failures. The main requirements of the customer included:
The sight glass had to be resistant to the aggressive effect of lithium hydroxide.
A solution should extend the exchange cycle and thereby reduce operating costs.
A robust construction should reduce the necessity for production interruptions.
Our solution: Sight glasses type 530A with FEP protective screens
Our solution was to offer the customer specially designed sight glasses of the type 530A. These were specifically designed for use in challenging chemical environments. The main features of the sight glasses include:
Stainless steel: The flange and the bracket are made of stainless steel, which excellently withstands corrosion and mechanical wear.
Borosilicate glass: The main glass is made of borosilicate, which is known for its high chemical resistance and thermal stability.
An additional protective layer made of Fluoroethylene Propylene (FEP) has been integrated. This material offers exceptional resistance to chemical attacks and protects the Borosilicate glass from direct contact with lithium hydroxide.
The sight glasses are equipped with an ANSI flange connection (150 lbs), which simplifies their installation and integration into existing systems. Furthermore, we have adapted the sight glasses to the total lengths of the already existing sight glasses so that a replacement occurred without problems.
Advantages of the Solution
With the implementation of the new sight glasses, the customer was able to achieve several advantages:
- Significantly Longer Lifespan: The FEP protective screen prevents chemical degradation, allowing the sight glasses to remain operational for a significantly longer period.
- Cost Savings: The extended replacement cycles significantly reduce maintenance and spare parts costs.
- Minimized Downtime: The robust sight glasses increase operational continuity, enhancing the efficiency of the entire plant.
Conclusion
The transition to Type 530A flow sight glasses with FEP protective screens proved to be a successful and sustainable solution for the customer. Thanks to the high chemical resistance, durability, and easy integration, production safety was significantly increased. This solution demonstrates how innovative materials and targeted adjustments can provide answers to specific industrial challenges.
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