In this episode, the second installment of a two-part series, Bert Jennings, owner of Jennings Materials Consulting in Spring, Texas, rejoins co-hosts Heather Allain and Marc Cook to continue their discussion on hydrofluoric acid (HF) and anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (AHF) service. Building on Part 1, the conversation shifts to detection, materials, and real-world application. Bert outlines key NDE techniques for identifying cracking and hydrogen blistering, then dives into weld practices and the importance of proper stress relief in carbon steel systems. The group also explores alternative materials, including austenitic stainless steels, ceramics, and glass, along with a “learn from failures” story that highlights the consequences of small oversights. The episode wraps with insights on nickel alloys, welding challenges, and the role of FRP and fluoroplastics—reinforcing that success in HF service depends on both material selection and execution.

In this episode, the first installment of a two-part series, Bert Jennings, owner of Jennings Materials Consulting in Spring, Texas, joins co-hosts Heather Allain and Marc Cook for a technical discussion on hydrofluoric acid (HF) and anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (AHF) service. Bert begins by outlining where HF is commonly used and addressing common industry tropes and misconceptions about how the fluid behaves in process environments. He explains what “anhydrous” truly means in practical terms, including how dry anhydrous hydrogen fluoride must be and why strict moisture control is essential. The conversation dives into the unique hazards associated with HF, particularly in carbon steel systems. Bert discusses hydrogen blistering, hydrogen-assisted stress corrosion cracking (HASCC), and the influence of hardness on material performance. He also examines how residual elements in carbon steel can affect corrosion resistance and cracking susceptibility, highlighting why small compositional differences can lead to significant performance impacts in HF service. The episode concludes with practical considerations for materials selection, inspection, and risk mitigation, setting the stage for deeper exploration in Part 2 of the series.

In this episode, Robert Freed, Ph.D., FASM, Associate Director at the Materials Technology Institute, joins co-hosts Heather Allain and Marc Cook for a practical, materials-focused discussion on corrosion and wear. Robert helps clarify the differences between abrasion, adhesive wear, erosion, and cavitation, and explains how these damage mechanisms commonly show up in industrial equipment such as extruders and other high-wear components. The conversation explores key variables that influence wear performance, how wear can accelerate corrosion, and why factors like particle size matter. Robert also walks through methods for evaluating and ranking materials, including relevant ASTM wear tests, metals lab analysis, and the pros and cons of different overlay solutions—such as laser cladding, thermal spray, and weld overlay—as well as non-metallic options. The episode closes with insight into MTI-led research projects and practical considerations for selecting materials and processes to manage wear in demanding operating environments.