Custom Tantalum Fabrication: Precision Solutions When Failure Is Not an Option
Custom tantalum fabrication is one of the most specialized services Glasslined Technologies™ provides. Tantalum offers exceptional corrosion resistance and compatibility with glass lined steel, making it an effective solution for localized or severe damage in critical process areas. Each repair begins with a detailed inspection and root cause analysis, including glass thickness measurements, spark testing, and interior and exterior vessel evaluations. Process conditions and failure mechanisms are reviewed to ensure the repair approach aligns with operational demands.
Glasslined Technologies™ collaborates with plant engineering teams, production staff, Authorized Inspectors, and ASME certified welders to develop repair strategies that prioritize safety while minimizing downtime. In many cases, these custom tantalum repairs are designed as temporary solutions that allow production to continue safely until the next planned shutdown.
In one project, a 2,000-gallon reactor operating in a clean room environment experienced hydrogen fish scaling around a six-inch band. Vessel replacement outside scheduled shutdown dates was not feasible, making continued production the priority. Glasslined Technologies™ technicians worked under strict clean room protocols, wearing full protective equipment while carefully drilling and tapping hundreds of precision holes to install a custom tantalum repair. This approach allowed the vessel to return to service without compromising process requirements.
In another case, a 12,000-liter vertical glass lined storage tank developed a through-wall failure at a dip pipe nozzle. Scaffolding and supplied air were required to access the damaged area on the top head. Prior to repair, a complete vessel analysis was performed to assess overall condition. After coordination with engineering, production, and field personnel, a repair plan was developed while a replacement unit was reglassed in parallel. Welding was performed to restore the damaged area to seventy-five percent of the original design thickness, maintaining corrosion allowance requirements while minimizing thermal shock to the surrounding glass lining.
A separate incident involved a vessel that developed a leak weeks after an internal component fell and was not fully recovered. The resulting stress relief led to a hole through the vessel wall. Glasslined Technologies™ worked with an Authorized Inspector and ASME welder to determine the most effective repair strategy. A certified, traceable steel sample was formed to match the vessel radius, allowing for a controlled weld with minimal impact to adjacent glass. A custom tantalum sleeve was then installed and sealed to restore vessel integrity.
Custom tantalum fabrication requires advanced expertise in engineering, fabrication, and installation. Many competitors will not attempt this level of repair due to the complexity and precision involved. From intricate tantalum patch installations to manway and top head repairs requiring custom fiberglass molds, Glasslined Technologies™ delivers solutions that protect critical assets, extend equipment life, and support continued production when failure is not an option.
If your facility is facing unexpected glass lined equipment damage or planning for an upcoming shutdown, contact Glasslined Technologies™ to discuss custom tantalum fabrication and repair solutions. Our team is ready to evaluate your equipment and develop a plan that keeps your operation running safely and efficiently. Contact us by email to learn more info@glasslined.us.
