Q:
I’m hoping you can help me with a high temperature issue. I’m running an ammonia plant where gases, along with hot air are heated to temps of 1800-2000F. The secondary reformer unit is made of carbon steel with refractory lining. I need bolting that can survive these temps so I tried Moly but its burning up which I don’t understand because I thought molybdenum was for temps to almost 3000F. Help…
I’m hoping you can help me with a high temperature issue. I’m running an ammonia plant where gases, along with hot air are heated to temps of 1800-2000F. The secondary reformer unit is made of carbon steel with refractory lining. I need bolting that can survive these temps so I tried Moly but its burning up which I don’t understand because I thought molybdenum was for temps to almost 3000F. Help…
A:
Molybdenum can be used to over 2900F but only in a vacuum where oxygen isn’t present, otherwise it will oxidize quickly. For the temperatures you are dealing with in an air-rich environment, I would suggest Inconel 600 which is usable to 2000F in air or a ceramic like alumina which is usable to 3000F.