
The
recent boom of private entrants in the petrochemical sector have
placed a heavy demand on pipe fitting industry. Ongoing projects for
construction of distribution lines require a high grade of pneumatic
industrial fittings and fluid components. The use of fittings and
flanges made from specialty alloy have become a common practice in
industry.
There are various applications of pipe fitting in petrochemical
industry. Besides pipelines, these fittings can be used in research
laboratory, pilot plants and factories. Supplying a right components
for laboratory pose as major challenge, as the chemicals under test
are highly corrosive. Moreover, the high temperature and pressure
conditions may cause leakage in the connection. Hence proper sealing
of joint with corrosion and heat resistant pipe fittings and flanges
are the foremost requirement.
Pipe fittings used in gas, oil and petrochemical industry should be
traceable, precisely accurate and manufactured from high quality
steel or its alloy. OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) across
the industry verticals are constantly upgrading equipment for
boosting their supply.
Chemical plant requires specialty pipe fittings that can withstand
the effects of batch and continuous processing, fluid flow, heat and
mass transfer, etc. As most the processes are on a continual basis,
it is important to make replacements as quickly as possible. This
not only minimizes the disruption but also reduces the possibility
of accidents.
The pipe fittings and flanges used in petrochemical industry are
subjected to scrupulous testing. They must fulfill the requirement
for high mechanical strength, while being resistant to chemical and
atmospheric agents. They should also be able withstand the varying
weather conditions.
Duplex and carbon steel are some of the most preferred alloys used
for making pipe fittings and flanges for petrochemical industry.
Besides the quality of material, engineering plays a pivotal role in
ensuring reliability of the pipe fittings. Fittings that can easily
be installed and removed always makes a right choice. All the
fitting and flanges shall undergo magnet particle inspection, liquid
penetrant inspection, ultrasonic inspection, hardness surveys and
hydrogen induced cracking test.