In food-processing facilities, leaks in ammonia-refrigeration lines caused by moisture and corrosion can cause serious health, safety, and environmental problems and lead to costly downtime.
For corrosion protection, Tyson Foods had tried a number of materials on its piping, including epoxy paints. Those materials usually required extensive surface preparation and hours of drying time, requiring process shutdowns and interruption. More importantly, few of the materials had proven highly effective in fighting corrosion.
In 2002, Polyguard introduced the ReactiveGel family of anticorrosion gels to prevent corrosion under insulation. The gel chemistry, protected by multiple U.S. and international patents, reacts with elements in the surface of steel, forming an ultrathin, glasslike mineralized layer. The gels do not coat steel as much as they react with steel to form a protective layer.
Because of its long history using Polyguard vapor barriers, Tyson decided to try RG2400 gel on some ammonia-refrigeration lines. One year later, after an inspection showed no corrosion on the piping, Tyson wrote RG2400 into its specifications for ammonia refrigeration.
Following Tyson's lead, food and beverage processors worldwide have been standardizing on Polyguard's vapor barriers and gels. Many of these companies' specifications allow no substitution because of the uniqueness of the Polyguard system.
In 2009, Polyguard introduced RG CHW gel, a formula designed for chilled-water lines operating between 33°F and 110°F. Tyson Foods has begun specifying RG CHW and Polyguard vapor barriers for its chilled-water systems.
Polyguard Products Inc.
P.O. Box 755
Ennis, TX 75120-0755
800-541-4994
www.polyguardproducts.com
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