Why Should You Consider Using Metallized Compressor Cylinders?
Where natural gas compressor cylinders are concerned, repair can be done in a couple of ways: a relining process and a metallizing process. Which is most recommended? Metallized compressor cylinders. In this process, to the running board of compressor cylinders used for natural gas, a coating is applied. This increases lifespan and durability. But, versus relining, it can also lower costs. Rather than relining compressor cylinders to recondition the bore, metallizing works wonders. Let’s look at some additional reasons why metallizing is the better option.
The Process of Compressor Cylinder Metallizing
Where compressors are concerned, the metallizing process requires a particular type of equipment. It is used to provide for the desired, precise coating thickness in the cylinder’s running bore. To atomize the materials, an electric arc system is used to melt the spray. To deposit the spray onto a surface, compressed air is used. Spray materials come in a variety, such as aluminum, carbon steel, brass, babbitt, stainless, and more. Depending on the compressor’s service field or the application, certain materials are more appropriate than others. Frequently, stainless steel material is the choice for compressor cylinders.
The deposit of a certain percentage of aluminate and nickel, forming a mechanical bond, is involved in the metallizing process. Over the bond, a coating of a particular thickness is applied. The spraying of the compressor cylinder follows. But, for the honing process, enough available finish material space must be left, so the cylinder is undersized at the end of this spray process. Room for the finishing material must be adequate. To the proper RMS finish and the required finishing size, the compressor cylinder is finally honed.
CFT powder is frequently used to finish the honing process. This helps to embed the compressor cylinder’s coated surface with Teflon. To ward off premature wear on the initially installed piston ring sets, the Teflon helps provide protection.
Benefits of Metallized Compressor Cylinders
When compressor cylinders are metallized, components can be used for longer periods of time. When the compressor is running, more durability is provided, as well. Maintenance can also be lowered by metallizing compressor cylinders.
Basically speaking, metallizing offers the following advantages:
- Zero volatile organic compound emissions are produced through metallizing.
- A recyclable material, zinc is frequently used.
- Fabricator throughput increases significantly because there is no cure or dry time.
- Compared to galvanized members, the number of needed field splices is reduced which means there are no size limitations.
- Temperatures of 250 to 300°F are never exceeded by the metallized surface. This low temperature process means that there is little risk of steel distortion or weld damage which would ordinarily occur due to overheating and high temperatures.
A&A Coatings For Metalizing
We provide numerous types of thermal spray coatings at A&A Coatings. Each are provided through a number of thermal spray processes. We can perform the metalizing process to spray metal onto compressor cylinders, and much, much more. With our metalizing technique, to create metallic coatings, we can use the electric arc spray process for functional or decorative or purposes.
To carry out the metalizing process, A&A Coatings has an impressive range of industrial grade electric arc spray equipment. We bring experience totaling more than 70 years to the table, and a huge inventory of materials from which to choose. Even if you have highly specialized application requirements, we can meet all of your coating needs.
To find out more about utilizing the metallizing process, call or email us today for your coating choices!
