Posted by americanalloyfab on | Comments Off on Welding Techniques
Welding is the heart of our operation at American Alloy. We use different welding techniques because no two jobs are ever quite the same. Some demand absolute purity, others maximum strength. What sets us apart is how we match each weld to its real-world application, using proven welding techniques every step of the way.
TIG Welding: Precision and Cleanliness
When it comes to ultra-clean, high-purity welds, our TIG welding services lead the way. This method uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode and an argon shielding gas to keep the weld zone protected and precise. It’s our go-to method for materials like thin stainless steel or nickel alloys, anywhere that even trace contamination can’t be allowed.
We regularly use TIG in industries such as:
Pharmaceutical
Food and beverage
Biotechnology
Chemical processing
Our TIG welding services offer several key advantages:
Minimal spatter, making cleanup easier and welds cleaner
Precise heat control to avoid distortion in sensitive areas
Strong, corrosion-resistant joints for long-term reliability
The ability to weld fine details or intricate components
Whether it’s orbital tubing or manual pipe welding, TIG is the clear choice when accuracy and cleanliness are non-negotiable.
MIG Welding: Speed Meets Strength
For projects that demand efficiency and fast turnaround, our MIG welding services deliver every time. By feeding a consumable wire electrode through a welding gun and protecting the weld with shielding gas, we achieve solid joins with clean results, ideal for high-output environments.
Our skilled welders use MIG for:
Large tank fabrication
Structural components
Frames, supports, and brackets
Mild steel and aluminum assemblies
The advantages of MIG welding services include:
High deposition rates for faster welds
Easy automation and repeatability
Cleaner finish with less slag to remove
Suitable for thicker materials and long seams
MIG is particularly well-suited for production-scale jobs where speed and strength are critical, without sacrificing quality or consistency.
Stick Welding: Tough and Versatile
When working in outdoor or rugged environments, we turn to our expert stick welder team for Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW). This versatile method uses a consumable, flux-coated electrode and is ideal for heavy materials, field installations, and repairs.
We use stick welding in:
Power plants and chemical refineries
Structural steel assembly
Maintenance and repair projects
High-wind or outdoor conditions
Why choose a stick welder?
No external shielding gas required
Performs well in windy or dirty environments
Strong welds on thick or corroded surfaces
Cost-effective for fieldwork and low-volume fabrication
While not as clean as TIG or as fast as MIG, stick welding remains a vital part of our capabilities, especially when reliability and adaptability matter most.
Choosing the Right Welding Technique
Not every project demands the same process. Our experienced engineers and welders assess multiple factors before selecting the best method, including:
Base metal type and thickness
Joint accessibility
Code compliance and inspection criteria
Structural vs. sanitary requirements
Environmental conditions (e.g., cleanroom vs. field)
This tailored approach ensures every weld, from a pharmaceutical-grade pipe to a chemical reactor support frame, is executed with the appropriate process and utmost attention to detail.
Why American Alloy Fabricators?
What sets us apart isn’t just time in the field, it’s the depth of technical knowledge we bring to each job. We’ve mastered a wide range of different welding techniques and back it up with ASME Section IX certifications, full weld documentation, and traceable inspection records.
Clients trust us because:
We deliver X-ray and dye-penetrant-tested welds
Our welders are cross-trained in multiple methods
We meet critical industry certifications
Every weld is backed by quality control from start to finish
Let’s Talk Welding
From sanitary systems to structural welds, we’ve got the capability and the crew. Our certified team delivers precision TIG welding services, high-output MIG welding services, and field-proven results from our skilled stick welders. No matter the application, we’ll help you choose the best welding strategy to get it done right.
Contact us today or request an estimate. Let’s talk about how our welding techniques can be customized for your next job.
Posted by tmswebsiteadmin on | Comments Off on Inconel Applications
Inconel® represents a family of superalloys. Manufacturers prize these high-performance metal alloys for their impressive resistance to high temperatures, corrosion, oxidation, and creep. The passivation layer that forms on Inconel surfaces in the presence of heat and the fact that its grains do not grow in high-temperature environments give Inconel resistance strength even when facing extreme heat, high pressure loads, and corrosive chemicals.
Sometimes considered Hastelloy, Inconel contains a variety of different materials in its composition, with nickel being the most prominent, followed by chromium. Depending on the included elements, varieties of Inconel will have unique characteristics and strengths. Two Inconel types with an array of beneficial properties for holding up in harsh environments are Inconel C276 and Inconel C22. Learn more about these alloys, what makes them advantageous, and about their applications.
Inconel C276 and C22
Of the Inconel alloys, C276 offers great versatility due to the wide array of situations and substances to which it is resistant. In addition to generally withstanding stress that would cause pitting or cracking in weaker alloys, even under extreme heat exposure, C276 holds up particularly well to acidic media, as well as alkalis, chlorides, solvents, and saltwater. The alloy has its composition of nickel, chromium, molybdenum, and a controlled Tungsten volume to thank for this.
Alternatively, Inconel C22—or Hastelloy C22—is another alloy of nickel, chromium, molybdenum, and tungsten with high corrosion resistance. In particular, it provides optimal aqueous corrosion and high-temperature resistance. This austenitic alloy can withstand stress and crevice corrosion as well, to limit the risk of cracking. The high percentage of chromium in C22’s content gives it a high resistance to oxidizing media, as well as sulfidation and carburization, and the nickel keeps the Inconel strong in the face of halides.
History of Inconel
Inconel is a registered trademark of Special Metals Corporation, which is based in New Hartford, New York. They are not, however, the original developers of Inconel materials. These alloys were initially designed to be used in high-temperature, high-stress environments in the 1900s. Inconel 600 was the first of its kind to hit the market, with applications in milk canisters in the 1930s. However, given its high nickel content, it can handle temperatures of up to 600° C for more modern applications in equipment such as nuclear reactors. Inconel 718 and Inconel 625 followed in the 1960s, and then Inconel 617. The latest alloy that Special Metals Corporation has trademarked is Inconel 693, which was developed in 2006 to resist metal dusting.
Inconel Applications for C276 and C22
With a virtually limitless amount of applications that rely on strong materials in high-temperature, high-pressure, and corrosive environments, Inconel C276 and C22 are versatile in that they find a place in so many industries. They are applicable in everything from the aerospace sector to pollution control.
Applications of Inconel C276
Capable of withstanding hydrochloric, sulfuric, and phosphoric acids, chlorine and wet chlorine gas, saltwater, and more, Inconel C276’s various applications include:
Ducting, stack liners, and scrubbers for flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems
Heat exchangers, evaporators, reaction vessels, and piping within chemical processing operations
Fans, fan enclosures, ducts, dampers, and stack-gas reheaters for pollution and wastewater management
Surface and downhole parts for wells
Applications of Inconel C22
Inconel C22 is applicable in the production of highly varied materials, from cellophane to pesticides. Some applications include:
Scrubbers and scrubber systems, such as SO2 scrubbers and incineration scrubber systems
Chlorination and pickling systems
Processing/reprocessing for wastewater and fuel
Tasks at paper and pulp manufacturing plants
Tubing and fittings in the pharmaceutical sector
American Alloy Fabricators: Your Partner for Your Inconel Needs
American Alloy Fabricators, Inc. utilizes both Inconel C276 and C22 to manufacture high-performance, customized process equipment. Specializing in design and fabrication, all of our products meet ASME certification standards. Our team is qualified and experienced in working with various grades of Inconel, Hastelloy, Monel, stainless steel, and other alloys to meet our customers’ unique requirements in the chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnological, and food processing sectors.
Posted by tmswebsiteadmin on | Comments Off on Jacketed Vessels: What You Need to Know
Many industries work with products that require processing or storage at specific, uniform temperatures to ensure performance and longevity. To achieve this, jacket coverings on containers enable accurate control within a vessel for constant or precisely cycled temperatures. Stainless steel jacketed vessels play a crucial role in manufacturing, without which companies could incur losses due to product spoilage.
A jacket creates a cavity between itself and the vessel walls, in which a network of interconnected tubes circulates heating or cooling fluid to raise or lower the temperature of the container and its contents. To address applications in diverse industries, there are a variety of types of jacketed vessels available for optimally regulating temperature.
Types of Jacketed Vessels
Stainless steel jacketed vessels vary in their mode of heat transfer, size, and pressure rating, among other factors.
Conventional Jacketed Vessels
Conventional jackets use fluid media like water and oil to facilitate heat transfer between the jacket and the container. Users install the jacket around the container to create an annular space, or an inner and outer wall for the vessel, that later fills with the desired fluids. In many jacket configurations, the designs utilize a baffle welded on the jacket’s internal side that regulates fluid flow. These jackets are often thicker than other types to make up for their design’s lack of reinforcement, which does make them more costly. They also achieve the lowest pressure drop of all types. Conventional jackets are ideal for low-pressure operations of less than 50 psi, though they can also handle certain applications for high internal pressures—up to twice the jacket’s pressure. They’re mainly fitted for smaller containers with a maximum capacity of 100 gallons.
Dimple Jacketed Vessels
Jackets for these vessels are dotted with dimples across their surfaces, and these divots enhance turbulence within the moving fluids of the jacket, increasing the transfer of heat. Dimple jackets are a popular choice as they are thinner and more affordable than the conventional variety without sacrificing strength. They’re also quite versatile, as dimple jackets are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and pressure ratings that allow for usages beyond just tanks. This helps them to accommodate larger containers for temperature regulation and pressure ratings of as much as 300 psi. However, dimple jacketed vessels are not suitable for running thermal operations that cycle between exceptionally low and high temperatures.
Half-Pipe Coil Jacketed Vessels
Manufacturers can weld a half-pipe coil jacket to a vessel, wrapping it around the container underneath the jacket. The split pipe configuration can regulate the fluid path to raise or lower the temperature of the full vessel or individualized portions of it. Half-pipe coil jackets are pricey given their lightweight metal construction, but not as expensive as conventional jacketed vessels. They are ideal in extremely high-pressure environments as they have a rating of 750 psi. Additionally, they are the best choice for liquid heat transfer as well as high-temperature applications.
Internal Coils
Internal coils are an additive feature inside a vessel rather than being an actual jacket. This means that they come into direct contact with the container’s contents, for which they are meant to provide heat transfer. Within the vessel, they will either loop around the internal wall in a spiral configuration or be situated at the container’s base. They can withstand the highest pressures of these heat transfer devices—up to 900 psi, internally or externally. However, it is important to consider the vessel contents prior to installing an internal coil, as certain substances may corrode the coil’s metal casing.
Industries That Use Jacketed Vessels
Temperature regulation and thermal cycling are vital to the processes of numerous industries. These sectors include:
Chemical and petrochemical
Cosmetics
Distilling and brewing
Food and beverage processing
Healthcare
Industrial operations
Manufacturing
Pharmaceutical
Roofing and asphalt
Partner With American Alloy for Custom Fabrication
Well-built stainless steel jacketed vessels will reliably regulate material temperatures in thermosensitive industrial processes, providing manufacturers with a sure way to avoid losses during production. At American Alloy Fabricators, Inc., our team specializes in designing and manufacturing custom jacketed vessels as well as other ASME-certified metal equipment. We utilize multiple grades of stainless steel for our stainless steel jacketed vessels, along with other material options such as Monel, Inconel, Hastelloy, AL6XN, and Alloy 20, to fabricate high-quality vessels, tanks, reactors, and more in virtually any size. We can also assist our clients in the biotechnology, chemical, food processing, and pharmaceutical industries with consultation services, welding, and metal finishings.
To learn more about our capabilities and how American Alloy can support your operations, contact us today.
Posted by tmswebsiteadmin on | Comments Off on Stainless Steel Storage Tanks: A Quick Guide
Stainless steel is an optimal material for tank fabrication due to its corrosion resistance. An iron alloy, it is the chromium content in stainless steel that generates a thin resistant layer of metal oxides. This capability enables numerous industries like food and beverage, cosmetics, medicine, and even chemical processing to safely use stainless steel storage tanks for storing water, alcohol, acid, gases, and more without degrading the tank or contaminating its contents. As manufacturers, we can customize stainless steel storage tanks and pressure vessels in a variety of sizes, shapes, configurations, and material selections, learn more about the options for stainless steel tanks and pressure vessels to determine which will best suit your application.
Types of Stainless Steel for Tank Fabrication
With multiple types of stainless steel available, the underlying alloy formation can determine which type of stainless steel is optimal for your storage tank needs.
Stainless steel 304 and 304L. These stainless steel storage tank types are popular for their affordability and corrosion resistance in most applications. 304 usually consists of 18-20% chromium and 8-12% nickel. The composition of 304L is similar, but with a lower carbon content to prevent sensitization. Lowering the chromium carbide content improves corrosion resistance for high-heat applications.
Stainless steel 316 and 316L. Stainless steel 316 has a higher resistance to corrosion than 304 because of its 2-3% molybdenum content, lending it to common uses in chemical and marine storage applications. At 10-14% nickel, the nickel counteracts molybdenum’s ferritic-forming characteristic. The low carbon version of grade 316, 316L, safeguards against sensitization in high-temperature environments like 304L.
Duplex stainless steel. Duplex stainless steel combines the benefits of austenitic and ferritic materials, maintaining corrosion resistance as an austenitic metal but also adding mechanical strength, a ferritic characteristic. At 20-28% chromium, 5-8% nickel, and 2-5% molybdenum, this metal alloy is highly resistant to stress corrosion cracking. Also, duplex stainless steel is typically less expensive given the lower percentage of nickel in its makeup, and the option of using thinner sheets without sacrificing strength.
Types of Stainless Steel Storage Tanks
Once you have chosen the appropriate stainless steel for your application, there are numerous tank types on the market to best deliver the functionality you need, including:
Single-walled stainless steel storage tanks. Most single-walled tanks have a simple, cylindrical construction, with horizontal or vertical orientation options. These storage tanks offer high-level corrosion resistance to internal and external corrosive agents, and are commonly accompanied by a concrete structure as a secondary method of containment.
Double-walled stainless steel storage tanks. These tanks feature a primary tank with a secondary wall built around it to protect against fluid leakage. They are ideal for petrochemical applications and EPA compliance. Some varieties contain insulation to safeguard against heat transfer from external temperature variations.
Stainless steel clad tanks. As an alternative to pricey tanks with thick stainless steel construction, single- or double-side cladding a carbon steel tank with thin stainless steel sheets adds corrosion resistance to the tank.
Jacketed stainless steel storage tanks. Used in conjunction with cooling towers or boilers, a jacketed steel tank allows fluid to pass through the area between two plates of stainless steel, cooling or heating the tank contents as required without mixing with them.
Stainless steel process tanks. These tanks help process the substances they store by dissolving, mixing, or otherwise agitating tank contents. To achieve this, process tanks may utilize a variety of tools like paddles or mixing heads. For added versatility, some process tanks come with specialized features like insulation, dual walls, and monitoring devices for a tank’s level, pressure, and temperature.
High-pressure stainless steel storage tanks. For high-pressure applications, stainless steel adds the strength necessary to ensure safe operation. High-pressure stainless steel storage tank fabrication should follow strict standards like the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.
Compressed air tanks. Stainless steel is ideal for compressed air tanks for its corrosion resistance, given that the tank will be exposed to air and moisture. With the immense pressure contained in these tanks, they must be strong for serving as air buffer or receiver containers. Again, quality tanks will conform to the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.
Stainless Steel Storage Tanks From American Alloy
American Alloy Fabricators, Inc. has a proud history of more than 30 years of delivering quality fabricated products domestically and internationally. Our facility has the capacity for us to manufacture horizontal and vertical tanks in diameters of up to 10 feet. They are non-code and work under atmospheric pressure, with a wide array of applications to give our tanks greater versatility of use. We custom-design and build ASME-certified stainless steel storage tanks to meet your unique operational needs as well as your schedule, with fast turnaround and on-time delivery.
We pride ourselves on our superior customer service. Contact us today for more information on our extensive options for tank storage solutions.
Posted by americanalloyfab on | Comments Off on ASME Section VIII Compliance: What You Need to Know
ASME Section VIII is a key standard governing the design, fabrication, and inspection of pressure vessels. This section, part of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC), guarantees the safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance of pressure vessels used in a variety of industries. At American Alloy Fabricators, Inc., we specialize in custom pressure vessels that meet or exceed ASME code requirements, making high-quality products for critical applications.
The ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) is a collection of standards that regulate the design, manufacturing, and inspection of boilers and pressure vessels. Section VIII, which addresses pressure vessels, includes guidelines for materials, design calculations, welding procedures, and testing protocols. ASME code compliance is crucial for making sure that pressure vessels are safe, durable, and capable of withstanding high-pressure environments.
ASME Section VIII: Overview and Requirements
Section VIII of the ASME Code outlines the requirements for pressure vessels used in high-pressure or high-temperature applications. It is divided into three divisions:
Division 1: General requirements for most pressure vessels.
Division 2: Additional design requirements for vessels that operate at higher pressures.
Division 3: Requirements for vessels designed for extremely high pressures.
Each division includes specific guidelines for design, material selection, fabrication, and testing to guarantee the pressure vessel meets safety standards and performs reliably.
Benefits of ASME Code Compliance for Pressure Vessels
ASME code compliance offers several key benefits:
Safety: Pressure vessels that meet ASME standards are less likely to fail, reducing the risk of accidents.
Reliability: Compliant vessels are more durable and dependable, ensuring continuous operation.
Legal Compliance: Meeting ASME code requirements ensures compliance with industry regulations, preventing penalties and legal issues.
Inspection and Certification Process
Pressure vessels must undergo a detailed inspection process to achieve ASME Section VIII certification. This includes:
Design Review and Approval: Review the pressure vessel design to ensure it aligns with ASME Section VIII requirements. Confirm design calculations, material selection, welding procedures, and safety features meet ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.
Material Inspection: Verify that all materials meet ASME standards for quality and durability. Ensure materials are sourced from approved suppliers and their certifications match required specifications.
Fabrication and Welding: Follow approved design and welding procedures during fabrication. Ensure welders are qualified, and welding procedures meet ASME standards.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Perform non-destructive testing (NDT) to detect structural issues, including ultrasonic testing (UT) for internal material flaws, radiographic testing (RT) for internal weld inspection, and magnetic particle testing (MT) and dye penetrant testing (PT) for surface defects.
Hydrostatic Pressure Testing: Subject the vessel to a hydrostatic test by filling it with water and pressurizing it beyond its operational limits. Ensure the vessel holds pressure without leaks or deformation.
Final Visual Inspection: Conduct a thorough visual inspection to ensure proper fabrication and assembly. Check for any overlooked defects or issues from earlier inspections.
Certification and ASME U Stamp: Apply the ASME U Stamp to certify the vessel has been built, tested, and inspected according to ASME Section VIII standards. Ensure the vessel meets all safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance requirements.
Third-Party Inspection: Work with certified third-party inspectors throughout the process to validate compliance with ASME standards. Inspectors review the design, materials, fabrication, and test results for full ASME Section VIII compliance.
Be Pressure Safe with American Alloy Fabricators, Inc.
Looking for custom pressure vessels that meet the highest safety and quality standards? Feel free to contact us to discuss your project needs and learn how our ASME Section VIII compliance guarantees reliable, safe solutions customized to your specifications. Reach out to our team today for expert guidance and a personalized quote!
Inconel® represents a family of superalloys. Manufacturers prize these high-performance metal alloys for their impressive resistance to high temperatures, corrosion, oxidation, and creep. The passivation layer that forms on Inconel surfaces in the presence of heat and the fact that its grains do not grow in high-temperature environments give Inconel resistance strength even when facing extreme heat, high pressure loads, and corrosive chemicals. 
American Alloy Fabricators, Inc. utilizes both 
Many industries work with products that require processing or storage at specific, uniform temperatures to ensure performance and longevity. To achieve this, jacket coverings on containers enable accurate control within a vessel for constant or precisely cycled temperatures. Stainless steel jacketed vessels play a crucial role in manufacturing, without which companies could incur losses due to product spoilage. 
