Chemical industry

Stainless welding solutions for corrosion resistant and hygienic processes

Acids play a role everywhere

In both the chemical industry and the food industry, attack by acids is a recurring theme. A dairy plant, a brewery or a soft drinks producer deals with it just as much as a heavy chemical plant.

The acids range from sulphuric acid and hydrochloric acid to the milder acids in yoghurt, cola and other foodstuffs, but the challenge is the same every time, namely material that withstands prolonged exposure to a corrosive medium. Stainless welding consumables form the basis for that.

Corrosion from acidic media

The greatest challenge in this industry is the attack on material by corrosive media. A thin layer of material slowly dissolves because it is continuously exposed to an acidic medium, whether that is a mineral acid or an acid formed by bacteria in food processes. That is why noble metals such as stainless steel are chosen here, along with welding consumables that offer the same resistance. The more aggressive the medium or the higher the temperature, the more heavily alloyed the product, with progressively more chromium, nickel and molybdenum.

Hygiene as a hard requirement

In the food industry hygiene is decisive. A pipe that starts to rust releases particles that end up in the end product, and although that is often not a direct danger, no consumer wants rust in their milk or their drink. Stainless products are therefore indispensable in keeping processes clean and safe. Our stainless range is developed for exactly that.

Matching welding as the starting point

The starting point in this industry is matching welding. A tube carrying milk, oil or a chemical medium is welded with a consumable that suits the material of the tube itself. First it is determined which stainless steel is being welded, for example 308, 316 or 347, and then the matching product is chosen, such as a HILCO HILCHROME 316R, a W316L TIG rod or a G308LSi MIG wire.

Hilco has a solution for every stainless steel grade, and if the composition is unknown, the versatile HILCO HILCHROME 312R offers a way forward.

Our options

TIG rods
For applications welded with the TIG process, for example on thin walled or critical joints. Our TIG rods deliver a clean, controlled weld and are available in versions for a wide range of materials and requirements.
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Hilchrome 312 R
Our versatile weld all for situations in which the exact material composition is not known. This electrode welds virtually all ferrous materials, is strong and user friendly, and keeps the margin for error small with a single product in stock.
View HILCHROME 312R
Stainless electrodes
The basis for matching welding on stainless steel with covered electrodes, widely used in chemicals and the food industry. They offer the corrosion resistance and hygiene these processes require.
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Benefits for your business

Food safe, hygienic joints thanks to stainless welding consumables.
Resistance to acidic and corrosive media, matched to the severity of the process.
Matching welding with a complete stainless range for every steel grade.
One versatile solution to fall back on with the HILCO HILCHROME 312R.
Tested and certified, with CE and third party approval for critical applications.

Why choose Hilco Welding?

111 years of heritage
Stability and deep knowledge that no start-up can match.
Always in stock
More than 500 items available from stock. Your project never stops for want of materials.
Certified quality
ISO, DNV, Lloyd's, ABS and more. Complete documentation, available when you need it.
Royal standard of integrity
Appointed by the Dutch Royal House. A mark of trust built up over more than a century.