How API Prevents Corrosion in Pneumatic Cylinders
Rust and corrosion can damage poorly maintained pneumatic cylinders. Especially those exposed to regular CIP/SIP washdowns and aggressive chemicals. But the solution lies with stainless steel cylinders that provide the highest levels of corrosion resistance. Here, API UK discusses the added value of switching to stainless steel pneumatic cylinders.
CORROSION IN PNEUMATIC CYLINDERS
Standard aluminium pneumatic cylinders are prone to corrode over time if they’re not looked after properly. This process is accelerated in applications involving regular washdowns and aggressive cleaning agents. CIP/SIP regimens and using detergents, such as hydrochloric acid or caustic soda, create highly corrosive environments for regular pneumatic cylinders.
These challenging environments can lead to a whole host of issues, such as pitting, cracks, and crevices. Issues such as these can seriously compromise the performance and longevity of a cylinder.
PREVENTING CORROSION IN PNEUMATIC CYLINDERS
Corrosion is a malign influence across many industrial settings. However, there are some applications where it is simply unacceptable. The food and beverage, pharmaceutical and medical industries are obvious sectors that spring to mind. But so too are marine, chemical, oil and gas environments. Essentially, wherever strict hygiene or safety standards are required, corrosion is an issue that manufacturers simply cannot afford.
So what is the solution? Two words for you: stainless steel.
Stainless steel is a remarkable low-carbon steel composed of iron and chromium. As well as advantageous strength, durability, hygiene, and temperature resistance, stainless steel also boasts high levels of corrosion resistance. Stainless steel’s corrosion-resistant properties are due in no small part to its chromium content.
The presence of chromium gives stainless steel an invisible, impervious, self-repairing outer film of chromium oxide. As long as there is oxygen present, this imperceptible film layer self-heals any chemical or physical damage to the surface of the steel. That means that stainless steel won’t rust or corrode when exposed to water, unlike carbon steel.
This property alone (along with the various other benefits) makes stainless steel the obvious choice of material for pneumatic cylinders destined to be used in harsh, challenging or sanitary conditions.
STAINLESS STEEL PNEUMATIC CYLINDER MANUFACTURERS
Of course, not all stainless steel pneumatic cylinders are created equally. Here at API UK, we’re meticulous about every aspect of our stainless steel cylinders and components. Every last detail is thoughtfully planned to deliver the most performance and value possible. Few pneumatic cylinder manufacturers go to the lengths we go to in order to provide stainless steel pneumatics that deliver a genuine return on investment.
Let’s start with the materials. We don’t just use any old stainless steel in our pneumatic cylinders. Instead, we only use the highest grade AISI 316 stainless steel, which contains the chemical element molybdenum for added corrosion resistance. By using high-quality 316 stainless steel, we can cater to various pneumatic needs, from applications requiring FDA 21 CFR 178 conformity to those in heavy-duty oil and gas environments.
Beyond the peerless corrosion-resistant materials we use to construct our stainless steel pneumatic cylinders, it’s worth quickly mentioning the finer details that we’re also mindful to look after. For instance, wherever stainless steel cylinders are liable to come into contact with aggressive chemicals, API UK can provide FKM seals as a chemical-resistant alternative to our standard seal materials. We also offer ATEX-approved cylinders for added peace of mind in explosive atmospheres. Furthermore, we can also provide endcaps specially designed to eliminate cavities that could compromise hygiene.
So, no matter the pneumatic application, our superior stainless steel pneumatic cylinders are more than capable of delivering the performance, safety, hygiene and durability required.
STAINLESS STEEL PNEUMATIC CYLINDERS FROM API UK
API UK offers an extensive selection of stainless steel pneumatic cylinders, as well as stainless valves and airline equipment. The following models of stainless steel cylinders are available to purchase:
AMX SERIES STAINLESS STEEL CYLINDERS
AMX Series 316L stainless steel double-acting pneumatic cylinders conform to ISO 15552. The end caps, barrel, and piston rod are all manufactured from high-grade 316L stainless steel, while a polyurethane piston rod seal ensures low friction and long service life.
MDMX SERIES STAINLESS STEEL CYLINDERS
MDMX Series stainless steel 316L double-acting cylinders conform to ISO 6432. With 316L stainless steel end caps, barrel, and piston rod (plus polyurethane piston rod seal), the MDMX Series excels at pressures of up to 10 bar and a temperature range of -20°C to +80°C.
MDX SERIES STAINLESS STEEL CYLINDERS
MDX Series double-acting stainless steel cylinders conform to ISO 6432. Combining AISI 316 stainless steel end caps and piston rod with an AISI 304 stainless steel barrel, these stainless steel cylinders deliver comparable performance to our AMX and MDMX cylinders.
To discuss your stainless steel pneumatic cylinder requirements or to arrange a free on-site visit, speak with our technical team members today. As expert pneumatic cylinder manufacturers, we can help you understand the full range of options available and guide you towards the best system solution for your application. So call us today on 01782 206 995, email [email protected], or complete our contact form.