TRACK: Non-metallics
Polymers and ceramics: MTI places such a high importance on these materials of construction that they have a separate, specific project development committee (PDC) for each of the two materials along with a metals PDC.
The ceramics PDC has developed numerous ceramic training courses and covered technical subjects, such inspection techniques. The Polymers PDC has completed projects on topics including permeation, plastic welding, repair manuals and numerous inspection and training programs.
One tank lining technology that has been a workhorse in the chemical process industry combines these two materials of construction. It is commonly know as the art of chemical resistant masonry. Chemical resistant masonry is extremely durable, and when properly designed, handles the harshest chemical and thermal conditions. In addition, it is a reliable method of tank lining construction and has been around a long, long time.
Unfortunately, the use of chemical resistance masonry gets little attention in academia. Materials engineering students receive little or no exposure to the combined use of ceramics and polymers to provide chemical resistance in chemical process vessels. Their first experience often comes when faced with replacing a vessel that has been in service for, perhaps, 30 to 40 years or more.
This presentation will reintroduce some of the basics of chemical resistant masonry and much more. The combination or membrane, mortar and brick that make up the system will be explained. The use of ceramics and polymers for the internals, such as supports, packing and distributors, will also be discussed.