A vessel or heat exchanger fabricated from AquaPLEX provides the longest possible service life in a potable hot water application available at a reasonable cost. When fabricated into a storage tank, the longevity of AquaPLEX compares to tanks constructed from 100% Inconel®, Monel®, copper-nickel, or other high-chromium duplex alloys such as 2205 and 2304.
AquaPLEX is an inherently corrosion resistant material that PVI fully restores to a passive state after vessel fabrication. AquaPLEX provides a long service life in all potable water conditions at any temperature without the need for tank linings or anode rods, which are both non-permanent methods that require service over time.
Although tanks and heat exchangers made from austenitic stainless steels; such as 304, 304L, 316 and 316L, can also be passivated, this layer of passivation can break down and the grain structure can be attacked if dissolved chlorides (salts) are present in the water supply. All potable water supplies contain some amount of dissolved chlorides. Known as chloride induced stress corrosion cracking, if this chemical attack occurs, it will result in failure of the material.
Inconel and Monel are registered tradenames of Huntington Alloys Corporation.
