Alumina Forming Alloys (HP-AF)
What Are Alumina Forming Alloys?
Alumina forming alloys such as MetalTek’s proprietary HP-AF are specialized austenitic stainless steel alloys engineered to produce a protective alumina oxide layer (scale) when exposed to high temperatures. The alumina oxide scale serves as a barrier, protecting the underlying material from oxidation, corrosion, coking, and carburization. This promotes durability and longer life in demanding, high-temperature industrial environments.
Alumina forming alloys such as HP-AF are ideal for applications such as ethylene production. The alumina oxide scale produced by HP-AF actively protects the alloy elements of the cracking tube that can act as a catalyst for coke formation, increasing the runtime between decoke cycles and extending the operating life of radiant coil. HP-AF is engineered to operate in temperatures exceeding 2,000°F (1,100°C), promoting higher conversion rates and increased ethylene production. HP-AF is relatively new but already pushing the limits of what is possible for ethylene producers.
What Are The Benefits of Alumina Forming Alloys?
Benefits of HP-AF include:
-
Less operating downtime: The protective alumina layer results in less maintenance, increasing cost savings and production.
-
Longer life: Resistance to operational effects that cause oxidation, corrosion, coke formation and carburization – ultimately increasing the life of radiant coil.
To learn more about HP-AF contact Dale Freihoff (dale.freihoff@metaltek.com) or Dennis Phillips (dennis.phillips@metaltek.com).
