Beverage and other liquid food manufacturers are very focused on taking steps to ensure both the purity and flavor of their product during its production. However, that need for vigilance does not end once the liquid gets loaded onto a bulk liquid tanker truck or trailer.  The same risk factors for contamination or chemical interaction…

It may come as a surprise to some, but oxygen itself is not flammable. Rather, it is the presence of oxygen that allows fuels to burn if there is also enough heat. This combination of oxygen, fuel and heat makes up the well-known “combustion triangle” that illustrates the three factors that must be present for…

As we’ve written many times before in this blog, stainless steel is far more than just “corrosion resistant metal.” While it is true that its material strength and resistance to corrosion have made it versatile and the material of choice for many applications, it is also because it can be adapted to fit specific conditions….

Both manufacturers and researchers can find themselves in need of a temporary cleanroom for operations. The reasons can vary as much as the product or research involved, whether it’s to support a new clinical study, as an intermediate solution during planned cleanroom maintenance or as an interim stand-in while a new cleanroom is being constructed….

A recurring myth in some industries is that “rouge is a protective layer” that enhances, rather than degrades, stainless steel’s durability. This mistaken belief is primarily based on certain types of rouge being considered “stable” and remaining affixed to the surface – being perceived as acting similar to a coat of paint. “Stable” rouge is…

A key action that is taken to prevent corrosion or damage in stainless steel systems is also the most basic – a physical, visual examination. Depending on the component, its location as well as Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) regulations, the examination can be done with unaided  eyes and a light source, or it can…

The importance of the cleanliness of a system’s stainless steel surfaces is paramount, but it may come as a surprise to most that the smoothness of those surfaces is just as important. It only takes a few moments of thought to realize that a smooth surface is directly related to the cleanliness of the system….

It is a common misperception that stainless steel is corrosion-proof. The reality is that stainless steel is highly corrosion-resistant. This means that its passive layer – the surface of the stainless steel which protects the rest of the metal – must be regularly maintained and strengthened to ensure many years of reliable service. While we…

There will come a time when even the best maintained system will require work to ensure that its inner surfaces are properly smooth. This can be unplanned, such as due to pitting caused by chlorides attacking the surface of the stainless steel, or an agitator failing and scratching the sidewall. Or planned outages can take…

The Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union was an era of unrivaled innovation and discovery. Even before NASA’s introduction of the Mercury 7 astronauts to the world in 1959, work was well underway to create the hardware needed to get them into space and safely home again. Southern California was a…