Our mechanics used galvanized piping to connect our new vacuum dehydrator to the oil reservoir. I am trying to explain to them that you shouldn't used galvanized pipe as it may flake off and cause major problems. Carbon Steel is OK. Does anyone have any feedback on this issue?

I think that besides potential faking-off and causing particulate problems, there could be some sort of galvanic-series issues to investigate.

I know that in the case of our turbines, zinc is to be avoided. Something to do with silver alloy in certain bearings and corrosion problems.

I'm not an expert in delivering a solid technical repsonse to your question.

However, from a practical side, your recommendation for carbon steel appears to be appropriate, since that is the primary material used in oil applications. Stainless steel might even be better if you are trying to combat a "wet oil" problem. I would assume this is why the vacuum dehydrator was added, unless you had a budget to work with and wanted to enhance your system(s).

I personally don't like galvanized piping for much of anything (Water or oil). Carbon steel, stainless steel, or copper tubing (where appropriate) are my materials of choice.

You might see some zinc or other strange things show up in oil analysis in the future with the galvanized pipe installed.

Be careful!!!

Good Luck.

Scott When you do use Carbon steel tubing make sure that the pipe has been pickled and oiled or you will have problems forever with scale in the oil system.

saltRon

I guess I can show my ignorance here, but I have never heard of pickling and oiling pipe. I guess it is the same principal as aging your Bar-B-Que pit or your iron skillet.

Scott,

Pickling is a cleaning process using chemicals. It will chemically clean your pipe and make it free from any rust or other particulates which could be introduced into your system. As for use of galvanized pipe, I would have to state I would never use galvanized pipe in a hydraulic system, especially one for a vaccuum dehydrator. There are too many compatability issues which can surface. If your maintenance people are concerned about rusting, I would suggest using stainless steel instead. saltRon's suggestion of having the carbon steel pipe pickled is also a very good practice. I have installed a vaccuum dehydration system in the past and can tell you from experience that using the wrong, or dirty, material will lead to nothing but headaches. Good luck.