Lesson 8 - Materials of Construction End of Unit SAQ
This lesson allows you to test yourself on the material covered in the lesson on Materials of Construction and to determine the level to which you have met the learning outcomes.
Suggested Response - Q1
***For the most commonly used metals in the brewery compile a table indicating the different properties of each material.
As a guideline the following metals should be considered:
Mild steel, galvanised steel, stainless steel (SS304), stainless steel (SS316), duplex stainless steel (SAF2205), titanium, copper, and aluminium.
As a guideline the following properties should be considered:
Thermal conductivity, strength, weldability, ductility (formability), corrosion resistance, resistance to alkalis, resistance to acids, resistance to chlorides, and price.
Gradings should be low (L), medium (M) or high (H).
Using this information, comment on the potential use of these materials in the brewery providing reasons for your answers.
Response:
|
|
Thermal conductivity |
Strength |
Weldability |
Ductility |
Corrosion resistance |
Resistance to alkalis |
Resistance to acids |
Resistance to chlorides |
Price |
|
Mild steel |
M |
H |
H |
M |
L |
M |
L |
L |
L |
|
Galvanised steel |
M |
H |
H |
M |
M |
M |
M |
M |
M |
|
SS304 |
M |
H |
MH |
H |
H |
H |
H |
MH |
MH |
|
SS316 |
M |
H |
MH |
H |
H |
H |
H |
MH |
MH |
|
SAF2205 (duplex) |
M |
H |
M |
M |
H |
H |
H |
H |
H |
|
Titanium |
M |
H |
M |
MH |
H |
H |
H |
H |
VH |
|
Copper |
H |
M |
L |
H |
H |
L |
L |
M |
M |
|
Aluminium (anodised) |
H |
L |
L |
M |
H |
L |
L |
M |
M |
In dry applications mild steel can be considered, both for structural uses and as raw material handling.
In structural applications where there is some moisture galvanised steel could be considered.
For all equipment, stainless steel would be the best material. For colder applications use SS304L and for warmer applications (and more corrosive environments) use SS316L.
For applications susceptible to stress corrosion cracking duplex stainless steel can be used.
Titanium is normally not used due to its high price. However, in certain high temperature or corrosive applications, it may be worth considering if the other materials would have to be replaced frequently.
Copper has excellent thermal conductivity and can be easily formed. It is not as strong as stainless steel. However, it can be used for smaller vessels, especially mash tuns and wort kettles where heating is required.
Aluminium is difficult to weld and form and is not resistant to alkalis, so it is normally not suitable for making brewing equipment.