METALogic expands in-house lab with autoclave testing

Starting this autumn, you can rely on METALogic for in-house autoclave testing, allowing us to respond even better to your corrosion questions. An autoclave test allows us to test even at elevated pressures and higher temperatures which broadens the scope of our testing.

Autoclave testing at METALogic: speed and flexibility

This addition to our lab is the next step in our full-service approach where we support you from a-z on corrosion and material issues. In the past, autoclave tests were outsourced to an external lab but METALogic always guaranteed to give advice on exposure conditions and a correct estimation of corrosion phenomena and speed. Having this in our own portfolio however, certainly proves its added value: faster start-up and flexibility. In addition, you can always drop by our lab which is centrally located close to Leuven whenever required to see your test set-up live.

Autoclave as corrosion test at increased pressures and temperatures

In our experience, many processes at our customers take place at elevated pressures and temperatures. In the context of material selection, it is important to simulate actual conditions as closely as possible. Autoclave testing offers a suitable solution.

So, what exactly does this involve? The test-up is similar to a standard exposure test where the material to be tested (in the form of a metal plate (coupon) or test piece) is exposed to a medium for a certain period of time. An autoclave is a pressure vessel (320 barg) that allows the temperature to be raised to 400°C. This allows to closely and accurately recreate degradation phenomena that take place in a constant high-temperature environment which we can observe. Finally, as with the standard exposure test, after the exposure period, our experts will evaluate the degradation on the coupons/test piece and report the findings.

Technical specs autoclave at METALogic

Here follows a brief overview of the technical specifications:

• Tantalum-lined, with options to use PEEK and Teflon liners
• Maximum test temperature: 400°C
• Maximum test pressure: 320 barg
• Volume: 3x 1.3L
• Test options: static or stirred
• Possibility of dosing various (non-explosive) gases/gas mixtures 

In addition to exposure tests, electrochemical measurements (cyclic polarisation measurements) can also be performed in the autoclaves. This can be done up to a temperature of 305°C and a pressure of 135 barg. Cyclic polarisation measurements take less time and can provide additional information compared to exposure tests (e.g. in the case of pitting corrosion, study of passivation behaviour, etc.). On the other hand, the uniform corrosion rate should be considered semi-quantitative.

Do you have an informative question about the possibilities or do you already have a case in mind where the autoclave could offer a solution? Send us your question by e-mail (with all technical info if possible) via info@metalogic.be and we will get back to you soon!