A series of tests as well as observations from operating equipment in HF alkylation service indicate that a copper-nickel alloy (approximately two-thirds nickel and one-third copper) has emerged as possibly the most useful of commercial materials to resist the corrosion from HF (hydrofluoric) acid. This copper-nickel alloy and its variations are used as liners for vessels, as rings and packing, and for valves and fittings. Table I gives the approximate analyses of these alloys and Table II shows some data on their resistance to various strengths of hydrofluoric acid.
In some cases there has been a tendency to use these alloys as lining for towers that are packed with carbonaceous material. A study of the effects of carbonaceous material when acting as cathodes will be made the subject of a further contribution to this journal. At this point it can be said that the carbonaceous packing material would probably accelerate...
