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.
Sulfur Dioxide, Wet
SO₂ in H₂O
Sulfur Dioxide (Wet) Caster Compatibility
Chemical Overview
Molecular Formula: SO₂ (forms H₂SO₃ in water)
Physical Properties: Wet sulfur dioxide forms sulfurous acid (H₂SO₃) in aqueous solutions, with a pH of ~2-3, making it corrosive. SO₂ gas is colorless with a pungent odor, has a density of 2.628 g/L at 0°C, and is highly soluble in water (94 g/L at 25°C). (Source: PubChem)
Industrial Applications
Sulfur dioxide (wet) is used in:
- Chemical Manufacturing: In sulfuric acid production.
- Food Processing: As a preservative in moist environments.
- Flue Gas Treatment: In wet scrubbers for emissions control.
- Exposure Scenarios: Wet acidic solutions in chemical or food processing plants may contact caster wheels.
Wheel Material Compatibility Summary
Best Suited Materials (A/B Ratings): Polyolefin (A) resists acidic solutions. Phenolic and Nylon (B) offer moderate resistance.
Materials to Avoid (C/D Ratings): Avoid metals (Ductile Cast Iron, Forged Steel) and elastomers (Rubber, Urethane) due to corrosion or degradation.
Wheel Compatibility Table
| Wheel Material | Interaction Description | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Ductile Cast Iron | Corrodes in acidic aqueous conditions. | D |
| Elastomer | Degrades in acidic environments. | C |
| Forged Steel | Prone to corrosion in wet acidic SO₂. | D |
| Neoprene/Nylon Glass Core | Neoprene degrades; nylon resists moderately. | B |
| Nylon | Moderate resistance to dilute acids. | B |
| Nylon Glass Filled | Slightly better than nylon; still vulnerable. | B |
| Phenolic | Resistant to dilute acids; moderate performance. | B |
| Polyolefin | Excellent resistance; unaffected by acid. | A |
| Polyurethane on Aluminum Core | Polyurethane degrades; aluminum corrodes slightly. | D |
| Polyurethane on Iron Core | Polyurethane degrades; iron corrodes. | D |
| Rubber | Rapid degradation in acidic conditions. | D |
| Solid Elastomer | Degrades in acidic environments. | D |
| Thermoplastic Rubber | Poor resistance to acids; degrades. | D |
| Urethane | Degrades under acidic exposure. | D |
| V-Grooved Iron | Corrodes in acidic aqueous conditions. | D |
Conclusion
Sulfur dioxide (wet) forms corrosive acid, making Polyolefin wheels (A rating) the best choice. Avoid metals (Ductile Cast Iron, Forged Steel) and elastomers (Rubber, Urethane) due to corrosion and degradation (D ratings). For assistance, contact CasterTech.