Stainless Steel Emulsifiers: Resolving Corrosion Challenges in Acidic Formulation Production
2025-11-20
Introduction
A mid-sized fine chemical producer specializing in oilfield additives faced persistent issues with batch variability and equipment degradation. Its carbon steel mixing systems struggled with acidic and alkaline formulations, leading to frequent maintenance and non-compliant products. The switch to 316L stainless steel high-shear emulsifiers targeted these core pain points while aligning with environmental regulations.
Pre-Implementation Challenges
Material Degradation: Carbon steel tanks corroded within 6–8 months of contact with pH 2–12 formulations, contaminating 12% of batches.
Inconsistent Dispersion: Conventional mixers failed to homogenize nano-scale catalysts, resulting in 18% rework rates.
Compliance Risks: Residue buildup in carbon steel crevices violated REACH regulations for chemical production.
Solution Design
The facility deployed three 500L stainless steel emulsifiers with:
316L Stainless Steel Construction: Resistant to chemical corrosion and certified for industrial-grade formulations.
Dual-Rotor Stator System: Adjustable speeds (2,000–9,500 RPM) to disperse catalysts down to 50nm particle size.
Crevice-Free Design: Welded contact surfaces and CIP (Clean-in-Place) compatibility to eliminate residue.