Traveling Water Screens for Saltwater Applications

Saltwater infrastructure has a different set of demands when compared to traditional, dryland, freshwater facilities.  Because of this fact, the material, design, and engineering behind the equipment that you use becomes increasingly important.  Saltwater accelerates corrosion and creates other complications that traditional materials can’t withstand or mitigate.  This is why CTVS LLC utilizes AL-6XN® super-austenitic stainless steel for these such applications. 

AL-6XN® alloy (UNS N08367) is a low carbon, high purity, nitrogen-bearing “super-austenitic” stainless alloy.  The AL-6XN alloy was designed to be a seawater resistant material and has since been demonstrated to be resistant to a broad range of very corrosive environments.  The high strength and corrosion resistance of the AL6XN alloy make it a better choice than the conventional duplex stainless steels and cost effective alternative to more expensive nickel-based alloys where excellent formability, weldability, strength, and corrosion resistance are essential.

Because traveling water screens are so important and improve the efficiency and performance of any cooling tower, this material can reduce the maintenance required in saltwater and corrosive environments.  The levels of chromium, molybdenum, and nitrogen in AL-6XN all serve to provide resistance to acidic chloride solutions previously only achieved by nickel base alloys.  Due to its nitrogen content, AL-6XN has greater tensile strength than other common austenitic stainless steel.  It also retains its high ductility and impact strength.

AL-6XN has over 25 years of proven seawater service, can be easily welded, and is practically immune to chloride stress cracking.  This material, combined with the engineering and design of Vari-Flow’s traveling water screens means that your equipment and infrastructure can stand up and be optimized against harsh saltwater conditions.