In industrial processes, choosing the right materials for equipment is critical to ensuring long-term performance, safety, and efficiency. For processes involving corrosive chemicals, high temperatures, or abrasive substances, both De Dietrich glass-lined steel and QVF Supra-Line borosilicate glass are often top contenders. However, before scaling up to full production, how can you determine which material is most suitable for your unique process requirements?
The answer lies in the laboratory. Using borosilicate glass in laboratory-scale testing provides a reliable and cost-effective way to evaluate the corrosion and wear resistance of these materials in real-world conditions. This blog post explores the benefits of this approach and explains why laboratory testing is a critical first step in selecting the right material for your process.
Why Start with Borosilicate Glass in the Laboratory?
1. Readily Available & Economical
Borosilicate glass is highly resistant to most acids, alkalis, and organic solvents. Its widespread use in laboratories stems from its ability to withstand harsh chemical environments without degrading. By testing your materials in laboratory glassware, you can observe how they interact with glass—providing a preliminary indication of how borosilicate glass or glass-lined steel might perform in a scaled-up process.
2. Evaluating Corrosion Resistance
Similar to borosilicate laboratory glassware, both QVF Supra borosilicate industrial glass and De Dietrich’s 3009 glass-lined steel system are equal or superior in corrosion resistance and mechanical strength/hardness properties.
Therefore, any indication of problems of chemistry in the laboratory is a good indication of potential issues in production/scale-up.
3. Assessing Corrosion
With common physical and corrosion properties stated above, the laboratory glass can be inspected for the following indicators of corrosions:
- Failure (independent of mechanical operator error).
- Hazing of the glass - this is a visual inspection of the clearness of the glass. The first mils of glass when corroded will cause the glass to appear hazy. This can also be detected by adhesion of material or increase of surface roughness (but harder to detect on short trails).
- Weight loss, while not a common to the first two indicators, is still a viable method of detection if the service has been for a considerable amount of time. But be mindful that if it’s corroding, hazing of the glass can occur and make this difficult to detect.
Summary: Laboratory Testing is a Key Step in Material Selection
When evaluating materials for industrial processes, starting with borosilicate glass in the laboratory provides valuable insights into corrosion and wear resistance. Laboratory glassware acts as a miniature representation of industrial systems, allowing you to test chemical compatibility, observe reactions, and identify potential challenges before scaling up.
Visual observation of laboratory glassware is an extremely useful tool for initial material of construction evaluations when considering industrial borosilicate glassware and glass-lined steel equipment. However, scaling up to production introduces several factors that can significantly impact performance.
Key differences at the production scale include:
- Improved heat transfer – This can accelerate reactions, which may be beneficial or problematic.
- Varying degrees of agitation – Changes in fluid dynamics affect heat transfer, reaction kinetics, and mechanical abrasion.
To further assess material suitability, additional testing methods include:
- Corrosion cell testing – Evaluating different materials under controlled conditions.
- Sample component/coupon testing – Inserting material samples into the existing process to observe performance.
- Pilot-scale trials – Conducting test runs in pilot equipment with pre- and post-run inspections.
While these testing methods provide valuable insights, they cannot fully replicate the long-term effects and complex dynamics of the entire production and manufacturing process.
Whether you choose glass-lined steel or QVF Supra-Line borosilicate glass for your process, laboratory testing is the best way to ensure your equipment will deliver the performance, durability, and safety you need. By investing in this critical evaluation step, you can make informed decisions that save time, money, and resources in the long run.
Ready to explore your options? Contact us today to learn more about how borosilicate glass and glass-lined steel systems can optimize your processes.
