Compatibility testing between industrial fluids and metal materials

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Preventing the Degradation of Metal Parts in Contact with Fluids

In Aerospace and Nuclear applications, industrial fluids can alter metal surfaces during storage, transport or use: corrosion, pitting, deposits, discoloration, mass loss or changes to the surface condition. Compatibility testing is used to assess the behavior of a fluid–metal assembly under defined conditions and to secure material selection for your equipment, tanks, piping, fittings or functional components.

Identifying Degradation Mechanisms

The study may investigate signs of uniform or localized corrosion, such as pitting, crevice attack, deposits, oxidation or changes in appearance. Specimen observations are correlated with the exposure conditions to characterize the most sensitive areas.

Adapting the Protocol to the Fluid–Material Pair

Testing can cover various metal materials, including steels, stainless steels, aluminum alloys, copper alloys, titanium or metal coatings. Specimen preparation takes into account the surface condition, the presence of a treatment and the geometry relevant to the intended use.

Reproducing Relevant Operating Conditions

The representativeness of a test depends in particular on the temperature, contact time, total or partial immersion, agitation, atmosphere and ratio of fluid volume to metal surface area. The conditions are defined with your teams based on the use scenario or failure mode being investigated.

Defining a Compatibility Test Suited to Your Application

Filab’s laboratory develops a testing approach based on the nature of the fluid, the metal or alloy under study, the exposure conditions and the expected level of stress. The objective is to produce actionable observations for comparing materials, qualifying a formulation, investigating a failure or supporting a design decision. To extend the study to substrate properties, discover our materials characterization laboratory.

Comparing Materials and Formulations

The results make it possible to compare several metals, alloys, surface treatments, or fluid formulations according to a common protocol. This approach helps prioritize solutions before a qualification or validation phase under actual operating conditions.

The Filab laboratory also supports you with the following services:

Characterizing Altered Areas

Filab’s laboratory can direct the study toward surface characterization and material analysis techniques such as optical microscopy or scanning electron microscopy. These investigations help distinguish a deposit, contamination or metal degradation and document the observed mechanism.

Obtaining Comparable Results

A documented protocol makes it easier to compare batches, suppliers, materials, or formulations. It also makes it possible to monitor changes in a fluid-metal pair following a process modification, a formulation change, or a material change.

Initiating a study with Filab laboratory

To get started, provide the nature of the fluid, the materials concerned, the conditions of use, the available parts or test specimens, and the objective of the request. Filab laboratory will analyse the information provided in order to propose a test strategy and suitable evaluation criteria. For regulated requirements, also consult our ISO 17025-accredited material testing services.

Frequently asked questions

How can compatibility between an industrial fluid and a metal material be assessed?

The assessment involves exposing metal specimens to the fluid under defined conditions: temperature, duration, atmosphere, possible fluid renewal and part geometry. Before and after exposure, Filab’s laboratory examines visible changes and the surface condition and, when required, the mass, composition or morphology of altered areas.

What phenomena can be investigated during a fluid–metal test?

Investigations may focus on signs of corrosion, mass variations, deposits, color changes and changes in surface condition. Acceptance criteria are defined in advance with Filab’s laboratory based on the part’s function and your application requirements.

Which metal materials can be studied with industrial fluids?

Filab’s laboratory studies metal materials representative of your product or equipment in the form of specimens, coupons, parts or sampled sections. Selection depends on the metal, its surface treatment and its actual exposure to the industrial fluid.

Which test conditions must be defined to obtain a representative result?

It is important to define the parameters that actually influence contact between the fluid and the metal: temperature, exposure time, contact method, atmosphere, agitation, and the initial condition of the surfaces. Filab laboratory can support you in establishing a protocol consistent with your industrial application.

How can compatibility testing between industrial fluids and metallic materials be initiated?

Contact Filab laboratory, describe your application, provide the references for the fluids and materials concerned, specify the service conditions, and define the expected criteria. This information makes it possible to develop a test programme tailored to your industrial fluid and metallic material compatibility issue.