TABLE OF CONTENTS Key Learning Objectives
Mechanical and chemical properties that must be considered when selecting materials of construction for a chemical plant
Relative costs of common materials of construction
Properties of alloys commonly used in engineering
When to use polymers or ceramic materials
This chapter covers the selection of materials of construction for process equipment and piping.
Many factors have to be considered when selecting engineering materials, but for the chemical process plant, the overriding considerations are usually high temperature strength and the ability to resist corrosion. The process designer will be responsible for recommending materials that will be suitable for the process conditions. The process engineer must also consider the requirements of the mechanical design engineer; the material selected must have sufficient strength and be easily worked. The most economical material that satisfies both process and mechanical requirements should be selected; this will be the material that gives the lowest cost over the working life of the plant, allowing for maintenance and replacement. Other factors, such as product contamination and process safety, must also be considered. The mechanical properties that are important in the selection of materials are discussed briefly in this chapter. Several books have been published on the properties of materials, and the metal-working processes used in equipment fabrication, and a selection suitable for further study is given in the list of references at the end of this chapter. The mechanical design of process equipment is discussed in Chapter 13.
A detailed discussion of the theoretical...
