Super duplex plates are known for their high strength and excellent resistance to corrosion. These plates are made from a type of stainless steel that has both austenitic and ferritic properties. Because of this mix, super duplex plates offer better performance compared to standard stainless steel, especially in tough working conditions. They are used in industries where strong materials are needed to handle pressure, temperature, and chemicals.
One such industry is the paper and pulp industry. It involves processes that are extremely corrosive with heavy machinery, chemicals, and high temperatures. Under these conditions, with regular steel or metal, damage, corrosion, and increased replacements can be caused. Super duplex plates resolve this issue by providing durability, strength, and long-term service life.
Why Super Duplex Plates Are Used in the Pulp and Paper Industry:
Corrosion Resistance
The pulp and paper process involves chemicals such as chlorine and caustic soda. Both of these chemicals have the tendency to corrode metal surfaces. Super duplex plates have huge content of chromium, molybdenum, and nitrogen, making them corrosion-resistant to such aggressive chemicals. This indicates less breakdown and reduced maintenance requirements.
High Strength
Equipment in pulp and paper mills must handle high pressure and heavy loads. Super duplex plates have a strong structure that can handle pressure without bending or breaking. This is helpful in machines like digesters, pressure vessels and bleaching towers.
Stress Corrosion Cracking Resistance
When a metal is under stress in a chemical-rich environment, it may crack over time. This is known as stress corrosion cracking. Super duplex plates are designed to resist this kind of damage. This feature makes them suitable for use in digesters and washers where both pressure and chemicals are involved.
Good Weldability
Super duplex plates are easy to weld and form. This allows manufacturers to build custom equipment or repair parts without trouble. In the pulp and paper industry, many components are large and complex. Being able to weld and shape the material as needed is a big advantage.
Longer Life
Because of their resistance to corrosion, stress, and wear, super duplex plates last longer than many other materials. This reduces the need for frequent replacement in the plant, which ensures cost savings and better productivity.
Common Applications in the Pulp and Paper Industry
Digesters
Digesters are big tanks in which wood chips are combined with chemicals and heated to break them into pulp. Digesting is a high-pressure, corrosive process. Super duplex plates are employed to build these digesters to cater to the demanding environment.
Bleaching Towers
After pulping, the next step is bleaching, where the pulp is treated with chlorine-based chemicals to make it white. These chemicals are highly aggressive and can easily corrode regular steel. Super duplex plates ensure that the bleaching towers are strong and operational.
Pulp Washers
Pulp washers eliminate residual chemicals and impurities from the pulp. These devices have direct contact with liquids that lead to rust and damage. Using super duplex plates in their construction keeps them safe from corrosion and wear.
Evaporators
Evaporators are used to remove water from the black liquor, a byproduct of the pulping process. This liquid is rich in chemicals and causes severe corrosion. Super duplex plates handle the heat and chemical exposure without breaking down.
Storage Tanks
Many chemicals used in the pulp and paper industry need to be stored safely. Super duplex plates are usually employed to construct these tanks since they do not react with the chemicals.
Heat Exchangers
In paper mills, heat exchangers facilitate the transfer of heat without mixing various liquids. These units must be resistant to corrosion, particularly when working with hot, chemical-rich fluids. Super duplex plates are a strong choice for this application.
Benefits for the Industry
With super duplex plates, repairs are minimized. This also ensures reduced production interruptions. Their low maintenance and long life also minimize costs. This enhances the safety and reliability of pulp and paper mill machines and systems.
Conclusion
The pulp and paper industry operates on strong, durable materials that support harsh conditions. Super duplex plates offer the durability, toughness, and longevity required in this atmosphere. They are installed in digesters to storage tanks. With the help of these plates and other cutting-edge materials, they ensure the systems operate optimally, safely, and free of constant repairs. This makes super duplex plates a smart choice for the pulp and paper manufacturing process.