Product Applications

Preventing Sulfuric Acid Corrosion At A Coal-Fired Power Plant

A Midwest utility company needed a sulfuric acid-resistant sealant to apply inside of the flue gas stacks at its coal-fired electric generating station. When outside air gets into the ducting through tiny gaps in the metal construction, moisture forms as the air and sulfur-laden flue gas mix and condense at lower temperatures. The moisture is actually low concentrated sulfuric acid that corrodes the ducting and other metal it contacts. The utility previously used a standard red RTV silicone caulk to seal the leaking areas, but this commonly used silicone is not effective against sulfuric acid corrosion. The red silicone became brittle and cracked over time, thereby allowing more leaks into the ducting.

The utility tried Pelseal®’s Viton™ caulk, Pelseal®2531. The caulk, resisted the sulfuric acid, remained flexible and maintained its seal. With the Viton™ caulk, the utility was able to make necessary repairs during regular, planned outages instead of having to make frequent, inconvenient repairs. The utility now uses the Pelseal® 2531 in several of their facilities where sulfuric acid corrosion is a problem. Their engineers say that the Pelseal caulk looks as good as the day they installed it, even after several months of service. Under the same acid conditions, the red silicone material is always in need of repair or replacement.

Liquid Viton™-based coatings, adhesives, sealants and caulks exhibit extraordinary performance characteristics in harsh environments, are able to withstand temperature extremes and resist attack from hundreds of corrosive chemicals and liquids. Pelseal® manufactures a complete line of liquid fluoroelastomer products ranging from Viton™ aerosol spray paint to high-solids sealants and caulks and a variety of viscosities in between.

To find out more about Pelseal® 2531, click here and fill out the form – or call us at 215-245-0581.