Wheel Materials vs. Chemical Compatibility Guide
Casters and Wheels need to operate in a wide range of environments. Chemical exposure can greatly reduce the lifespan of certain materials so it's essential to pick the right wheel materials as compared to the chemical environments those wheels will be exposed to. Use our guide to see what wheels best fit your application. As always if you have any questions give us a call or contact us.
Wheel Materials vs. Chemical Compatibility Guide
Casters and Wheels need to operate in a wide range of environments. Chemical exposure can greatly reduce the lifespan of certain materials so it's essential to pick the right wheel materials as compared to the chemical environments those wheels will be exposed to. Use our guide to see what wheels best fit your application. As always if you have any questions give us a call or contact us.
Oleum Spirit (25%)
H₂SO₄·SO₃
Oleum Spirit 25% Caster Compatibility
Chemical Overview
Molecular Formula: H₂SO₄·SO₃ (oleum)
Physical Properties: Oleum spirit 25% (fuming sulfuric acid with 25% free SO₃) is a colorless to slightly yellow, viscous liquid with a pungent odor. It has a density of ~1.9 g/cm³ at 20°C and is highly reactive and corrosive, reacting violently with water. (Source: PubChem)
Industrial Applications
Oleum spirit 25% is used in:
- Chemical Synthesis: In producing explosives and dyes.
- Sulfonation: In manufacturing detergents and surfactants.
- Petrochemicals: In refining processes.
- Exposure Scenarios: Spills in chemical plants may contact caster wheels.
Wheel Material Compatibility Summary
Best Suited Materials (A/B Ratings): Polyolefin (A) resists strong acids. Phenolic (B) offers moderate resistance.
Materials to Avoid (C/D Ratings): Avoid metals (Ductile Cast Iron, Forged Steel) and elastomers (Rubber, Urethane) due to severe corrosion or degradation.
Wheel Compatibility Table
| Wheel Material | Interaction Description | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Ductile Cast Iron | Severe corrosion from oleum. | D |
| Elastomer | Rapid degradation in strong acids. | D |
| Forged Steel | Corrodes severely in oleum. | D |
| Neoprene/Nylon Glass Core | Neoprene degrades; nylon has limited resistance. | C |
| Nylon | Degrades in strong acid environments. | C |
| Nylon Glass Filled | Slightly better than nylon; still vulnerable. | C |
| Phenolic | Moderate resistance to strong acids. | B |
| Polyolefin | Excellent resistance; unaffected by oleum. | A |
| Polyurethane on Aluminum Core | Polyurethane and aluminum degrade in oleum. | D |
| Polyurethane on Iron Core | Polyurethane degrades; iron corrodes. | D |
| Rubber | Rapid degradation from acid exposure. | D |
| Solid Elastomer | Degrades in strong acids. | D |
| Thermoplastic Rubber | Poor resistance; degrades in oleum. | D |
| Urethane | Degrades rapidly in strong acids. | D |
| V-Grooved Iron | Severe corrosion from oleum. | D |
Conclusion
Oleum spirit 25% is highly corrosive, making Polyolefin wheels (A rating) the best choice. Avoid metals (Ductile Cast Iron, Forged Steel) and elastomers (Rubber, Urethane) due to severe corrosion and degradation. For assistance, contact CasterTech.