Chemical plant is where material selection stops being a formality. The medium decides the grade, the grade decides the price, and getting it wrong shows up as a leak rather than a warranty claim.
Applications and the products that suit them
| Application | Product |
|---|---|
| Acid and solvent transfer lines | Braided corrugated hose in 316L, or PTFE-lined assembly for halide acids |
| Reactor and vessel nozzle connections | Pressure-balanced joint where nozzle loads are limited |
| Pump and agitator vibration isolation | Braided corrugated hose in 316L, unlined |
| Tank farm crossovers and loading points | Braided corrugated hose with whip check and armour guard |
| Heat exchanger connections | Axial expansion joint or Lateral / universal joint |
| Solvent recovery and distillation column lines | Lateral / universal joint in 321 |
| Effluent and scrubber duty | Braided corrugated hose in 316L; review chlorides |
| Chlorine service | PTFE-lined assembly — wet chlorine is not suitable for bare stainless |
Specification notes for this sector
- 316L is the working grade; 304L only where chlorides are genuinely absent
- Chloride stress corrosion cracking is the dominant failure mechanism — check the insulation and the atmosphere, not just the process fluid
- Hydrochloric acid and wet chlorine require a lined assembly regardless of stainless grade
What to send with an enquiry
Bore, medium, pressure, temperature, movement and both end connections. The reasoning for each is on how to specify an assembly.
Related technical reading
Media compatibility · Temperature derating · Failure modes · Installation guide