Yes, they're not Fiberglass, but we offer them! Made of 24-gauge steel, the metal safety spray shields are approximately 25 thousandth of an inch thick, ideal for safety shields. This thickness is heavy enough to withstand high pressures with the flexibility to permit shaping.

In the event of a leak, the fluid collects at the bottom of the shield where the overlapping slotted edge prevents a lateral blowout and allows the leaking condition to be highly visible without causing injury to plant personnel and equipment.

Materials

Three different types of metals are used for Metal Safety Shields:

• Galvanized steel
• “304” stainless steel
• “316” stainless steel

 

Applications

Galvanized steel is used in water, oil and steam applications. Steel has been coated with zinc to reduce rusting, but it is vulnerable to corrosive attack and should not be used on lines carrying hazardous chemicals. When installed on vessels, shields must be equipped with a special inner galvanized mesh lining to break up the impact of a jet spray on the shield surface, eliminating up to 90% of lateral aerosol mist.

For corrosive environments the stainless steel “304” and “316” alloys are ideal. Stainless steel “304” contains 18-20% chromium and 8-10.5% nickel. They are suitable for applications requiring mild corrosion resistance.

Stainless steel “316” contains 16-18% chromium and 10-14% nickel as well as 2-3% molybdenum. The latter component gives the material superior resistance to pitting and to most types of corrosion, making “316” suitable for applications involving severe corrosive conditions. These safety shields are also available with inner stainless mesh linings.

Stainless steel safety spray shields are required when the line exceeds 450ºF (232ºC), since this is the heat limit for thermoplastic (frp) shields. There are also certain circumstances where the type of chemicals in the line may be incompatible with fiberglass safety shields, so metal shields are recommended.

Features

Stainless steel with a thickness of 24 gauge has a tensile strength of 3000 psi (207 bar), and a melting point of approximately 2650°F (1454°C). Although some pitting may occur due to corrosive fumes, stainless steel safety shields can be expected to provide many years of effective service. They have been approved by the United States Department of Agriculture for installation in food processing plants.

Metal Safety Shields are suitable for flanges and every type of valve in all size systems carrying steam, solvents, chemicals and corrosive agents. They are necessary in high pressure and high temperature applications.

Installation

Metal safety shields easily slip over existing pipe installations. They can be quickly put into place and fastened with a screwdriver.