Gasket provides corrosion, erosion resistance for refinery

ERIKS North America announced a U.S. hydrofluoric (HF) acid alkylation refinery experienced a four-year, zero-percent flange repair/replacement fraction, thanks to the use of the company’s ALKY-ONE gasket.

“Hydrofluoric acid is one of the most difficult and dangerous sealing applications in the refining industry,” said David Clover, senior product/application specialist for ERIKS North America. “Not only can leaks threaten bodily harm, but the acid also corrodes carbon steel flanges from the inside, causing taper corrosion, which usually leads to costly flange repairs or replacement.”

In 2015, a HF acid alkylation refinery in the Midwest was looking to upgrade 3,119 flanges to prevent taper corrosion, eliminate associated repair or replacement costs, and improve safety.

“During install, our team worked closely with the refinery to put strict inspection and quality control procedures in place to ensure proper protocols were followed at each flange. By following these measures, all flanges were completely leak-free at startup,” Clover said.

During its next scheduled turnaround cycle in 2019, the refinery opened 1,320 (more than 40%) of the upgraded flanges equipped with the gasket for inspection. Each flange was in like-new condition, with no need for repair or replacement.

“The zero-percent flange repair/replacement fraction is truly unprecedented in the industry, and a testament to the capability and reliability of the ALKY-ONE gasket to provide long-term, safe seals in dangerous applications,” Clover said. “With alternative gasket options, that fraction can be as high as 30%.”