Author name: glasskem

Glass Lined Equipment Maintenance

Glass Lined Equipment Maintenance: Tips and Best Practices

Glass Lined Equipment Maintenance: Tips and Best Practices

glass lined equipment maintenance: tips and best practices
Glass-lined equipment has become indispensable to industrial processes today, but have you ever wondered how it all started? Let’s look at the history of Glass lined equipment and how it has evolved to become a top choice for plant managers worldwide.
Inspection Schedule – “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
One of the main principles behind a productive preventive maintenance program is a meaningful inspection schedule. The frequency of maintenance inspections varies from several times per year to once every couple of years, depending on the severity of service or until an accurate service record is established. “When it comes to preventive maintenance, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” says our lead chemical engineer. “You can avoid many costly issues by following a preventive maintenance schedule. Not only does this help keep your equipment running smoothly, but it also helps you catch any potential problems before they become major.”
Using Approved Tools Using only approved tools when working inside glass-lined vessels is another key factor in keeping them well-maintained. As quick and careful as you may be, it is always safest to use products that won’t damage the glass lining. Therefore it is best to avoid Glass or metallic instruments during the operation or maintenance of the vessel; Glass lined tools are the way to go.
Operating Guidelines – “An investment in your process.”
Therm shock is one of the main things to watch out for when operating your vessel. This can cause an immediate loss of the integrity of the internal glass lining. Thermal shock to the glass lining can occur when the recommended safe temperature differential is exceeded or when heating or cooling is done too quickly. Therefore, following operating guidelines for pressure and temperature limits is important. “When it comes to glass-lined equipment, it’s important to remember that it’s not just a piece of equipment but an investment in your process,” says our junior chemical plant manager. “If you don’t take care of it, it won’t take care of you. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines and setting up a preventive maintenance program will help ensure your investment pays off in the long run.”
Agitator Maintenance – “Maintaining the proper level of fluids in the vessel is crucial.”
You should not operate with liquids at the blade level to avoid agitator problems. When the agitator is run with the fluid in the vessel at or below the blade level, fluid flow causes the shaft to “skate”, resulting in excessive stresses and runout in the seal area and the upper end of the agitator. This can cause premature seal failure and even glass damage on the agitator. The simple fix is to ensure there is the right volume of product in your vessel before turning on the agitator. “Maintaining the proper level of fluids in the vessel is crucial to keep the agitator functioning smoothly,” says our leading process engineer. “Checking the level of fluids should be a part of your routine checks to ensure that everything is working as it should be.”
Invest in the Future Success of Your Process
In conclusion, maintaining glass-lined equipment is crucial for the longevity and performance of your equipment. A preventive maintenance program, using approved tools, and following operating guidelines for pressure and temperature limits can help avoid costly downtime and repairs. By taking care of your equipment, you are investing in the future success of your process. Remember, as the chemical plant manager at Glasskem Equipments says, “If you don’t take care of it, it won’t take care of you.”
Glass-Lined-Reactors

The Importance of Glass Lined Reactors in the Chemical Process Industries

The Importance of Glass Lined Reactors in the Chemical Process Industries

the importance of glass lined reactors in the chemical process industries
If you’re in the pharmaceutical industry, you know how critical it is to have the right equipment to carry out chemical processes. One such piece of equipment that is a must-have in the pharma industry is Glass Lined Reactors (GLRs). These reactors are known for their outstanding corrosion resistance and easy maintenance, making them perfect for critical chemical processes.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the importance of glass-lined reactors in the pharmaceutical industry, highlighting their key advantages and suitable applications.
Advantages of Glass-Lined Equipment Glass Lined Reactors (GLRs) are designed to endure even the harshest chemical environments. Let’s delve deeper into the advantages of GLRs.
Corrosion and abrasion resistance: With its glass lining acting as a protective barrier, GLRs offer unparalleled corrosion and abrasion resistance, making them a cost-effective solution with a longer lifespan. For instance, a pharmaceutical company using GLRs in a highly acidic environment can benefit from the corrosion resistance of the glass lining.
Chemical resistance: GLRs are resistant to a wide range of chemicals, making them ideal for use in industries requiring corrosive material handling. This feature is essential in the pharmaceutical industry, where safe and effective handling of chemicals is crucial.
Thermal shock resistance: GLRs are highly resistant to thermal shock due to the thermal expansion properties of the glass lining. This feature makes them a perfect choice for processes that require rapid heating or cooling, such as sterilization.
High-temperature resistance: GLRs can withstand high temperatures, making them suitable for use in processes that require high-temperature heating or cooling. This feature is particularly useful in the chemical industry.
Long service life: With proper care and maintenance, GLRs have a long service life, making them a cost-effective solution for many industries. Regular cleaning and inspections can extend their lifespan even further.
Suitable Applications of GLRs
GLRs are suitable for a wide range of applications in the pharmaceutical industry. One of the primary applications is for carrying out critical chemical processes where corrosion resistance and chemical inertness are crucial. GLRs are particularly useful for processes involving strong acids like Nitric, Sulphuric, Hydrochloric, or Phosphoric acids, as they are highly resistant to corrosion and abrasion, even in aggressive chemical environments.
However, GLRs are unsuitable for alkaline operations because borosilicate commonly used in Glass quickly reacts with high pH solutions and degrades. Alkalis are more corrosive than acids, especially at elevated temperatures. This may cause cracks in the Glass, which is undesired. However, GLRs are more sustainable to a pH of 8.5, i.e., until you use weak bases.
Stainless Steel Reactors, on the other hand, possess a better heat transfer effect because of enhanced thermal conductivity. However, GLRs have restricted operation at high pressures.

Characteristics of GLRs

GLRs come in various colours, with each colour having its unique characteristics. Here is a breakdown of the characteristics of each colour:

Blue – Higher thermal conductivity, a wide range of pH acceptance.

Light Blue – Highly resistant to alkalis, easy for visual observation.

Green – Suitable to operate under high temperatures up to 300ºC.

White – Easy visual observations in colourful chemical reactions like phytochemicals.

Final Thoughts
In conclusion, GLRs are:
  • An essential piece of equipment in the pharmaceutical industry.
  • Providing unparalleled corrosion resistance.
  • Chemical inertness.
  • Ease of maintenance.
If you’re in the pharmaceutical industry and looking for a reliable and cost-effective solution for critical chemical processes, consider investing in GLRs.
the advantages of glass-lined equipment

The Advantages of Glass-Lined Equipment in Industrial Processes

The Advantages of Glass-Lined Equipment in Industrial Processes

the advantages of glass-lined equipment in industrial processes
Glass-lined equipment has become indispensable to industrial processes today, but have you ever wondered how it all started? Let’s look at the history of Glass lined equipment and how it has evolved to become a top choice for plant managers worldwide.
From Stainless Steel to Glass Lined Equipment: A Brief History
In 1912, Harry Brearley, a researcher at the Brown-Firth laboratory in Sheffield, UK, discovered martensitic stainless steel, which had superior chemical resistance to iron or mild steels. This paved the way for the era of stainless steel containment for chemical processing.
However, in the mid-20th century, Glass lined equipment became an alternative to stainless steel. Glass-lined equipment, such as reactors, receivers, and storage tanks, won over plant managers with its robust and durable construction, capable of handling high pressures and temperatures.
Today, glass-lined equipment is widely used in various industries, from pharmaceuticals to speciality chemicals and polymers. But what makes it so unique?
The Benefits of Glass-Lined Equipment
Excellent Corrosion Resistance: Glass-lined equipment has high corrosion resistance against inorganic, organic, and organic solvents at different concentrations and temperatures. This is a crucial feature for industries that deal with highly corrosive substances.
Smooth Surface and Easy Maintenance: The Glass lining on the equipment provides a smooth and non-porous surface that is easy to clean and maintain. It also prevents contamination of the process material, ensuring product purity. As the saying goes, “A clean vessel is a happy vessel.”
Unmatched Visibility: Glass-lined equipment allows for visual inspection of the process material, which is particularly important for processes requiring monitoring or quality control. As the adage goes, “Seeing is believing.”
Chemical Inertness: Glass-lined equipment is chemically inert and doesn’t react with the process material. This is particularly important for industries that require precise control over chemical reactions. As the expression goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Wide Range of Sizes: Glass-lined equipment is available in various sizes, from small laboratory vessels to large industrial reactors. This versatility allows it to be used in multiple applications and industries.
Operating Precautions: Despite its numerous benefits, Glass lined equipment requires some precautions when handling and operating, particularly when it comes to mechanical and thermal shock. However, with proper care and maintenance, Glass lined equipment can provide long-lasting and reliable service.
Conclusion In conclusion, glass-lined equipment has come a long way since its inception, and its numerous benefits make it a top choice for plant managers worldwide. Whether you’re in the pharmaceutical, chemical, or polymer industry, Glass lined equipment can provide the robust and durable construction needed to handle high pressures and temperatures. As the famous quote goes, “Invest in the best, and you’ll never regret it.”
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