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Selected Application Recommendations <br />Flue Gas Desulfurization <br />Corrosion resistant composites are extensively used <br />for major components of FGD systems associated <br />with coal based power generation, and many of the <br />structures are the largest in the world. Components <br />include chimney liners, absorbers, reaction vessels, <br />and piping. Operating conditions of flue gas <br />desulfurization processes are quite corrosive to <br />metals due to the presence of sulfur dioxide and sulfur <br />trioxide. These serve to form sulfuric acid either within <br />the scrubbing system itself or from condensation of <br />SO3 as a consequence of its affinity for water and <br />elevation of dew point. Corrosion of steel is further <br />aggravated by the presence of free oxygen which <br />originates from excess air used in coal combustion, <br />or in some processes as a result of air blown into the <br />system in order to oxidize sulfite ions to sulfate. <br />Since there is net evaporation within the absorber, and <br />since coal ash contains soluble salts, chloride levels can <br />be quite high, which in turn limits the use of stainless <br />steel or else requires high nickel content alloys, which <br />are not only expensive, but also require close attention <br />to welding and other installation procedures. <br />The acid and chloride resistance of FRP makes it an <br />excellent choice. Wet scrubbers typically operate near <br />to saturation temperatures of about 140° F, but flue gas <br />may sometimes be reheated to >200° F to increase <br />chimney draft or to reduce mist or plume visibility. <br />The worst upset conditions involve a total sustained <br />loss of scrubbing liquor or make-up water, which may <br />allow temperature to approach that of flue gas leaving <br />the boiler air preheater or economizer, typically up <br />to 350° F. Although such temperature excursions <br />are difficult to generalize, the usual practice is to <br />employ vinyl esters or other resins with good heat <br />distortion or thermal cycling properties. Although <br />there are negligible (if any) combustibles present in <br />FGD systems, the selected resins often display flame <br />retardant properties in the event of accidental ignition <br />or high natural drafts. <br />Gasoline, Gasohol and Underground Storage <br />Tanks <br />Ethanol and EthanoU Gasoline Blends <br />Ethanol derived from corn has increasingly been <br />used to increase the extent of gasoline production <br />and maintain octane requirements. Ethanol can be <br />corrosive to steel, aluminum, and a variety of polymeric <br />materials, due to the alcohol itself and the possible <br />companion presence of water. Ethanol is miscible with <br />water and azeotropic distillation and drying techniques <br />are necessary in fuel applications. Phase separation, <br />compatibility with gasoline, or salt contamination can <br />influence many of the corrosion considerations. Vinyl <br />esters as well as isophthalic and terephthalic resins <br />(such as DION® 490) can display excellent resistance <br />to ethanol and various blends with gasoline, of which <br />E-85 (85% gasoline/ 15% ethanol) is a popular <br />example. The superior resins display a high crosslink <br />density. This directly increases the solvent resistance <br />by restricting permeability or diffusion into the resin <br />matrix. In addition, a high degree of crosslinking <br />reduces any extraction or contamination of the fuel <br />by trace components in the composite matrix, such <br />as residual catalyst plasticizer or carriers. As always, <br />good curing and post -curing will enhance resistance. <br />