White Papers
 Formerly Restek Performance Coatings |
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 SilcoNert™ is used for inertness pathways (ppb) and dry down. |
 SilcoKlean™ is used as non-stick, anti-coking, anti-fowling and anti-sludge. |
 SilcoGuard™ is used as UHV, high-purity gas systems and vacuum. |
 Silcolly™ is used for anti-corrosion and anti-oxidation treatments and to increase material life |
SilcoTek™ Corporation Slide Presentation 2008
Surface Treatments, General
This overview of products, process capabilities, applications, and performance data encapsulates SilcoTek to date. Data include results and performance treatments with active sulfur, NOx compounds and mercury compounds.
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Anti-Coking
Symposium on Structure of Jet Fuels V, presented before the Division of Petroleum Chemistry, Inc., 216th National Meeting, American Chemical Society, August 1998 anti-coking.
Analysis of Solid Deposits from Thermal Stressing of a JP-8 Fuel on Different Surfaces in a Flow Reactor.
O. Altin, A. Venkataraman, S. Eser (Fuel Science Program / Department of Materials Science and Engineering; Energy Institute / College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University)
Solid deposition from JP-8 fuel, at temperatures of 500°C and above, was evaluated for nickel, copper, 304 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel, glass-lined stainless steel, and Silcosteel® treated stainless steel tubing. Deposition was greatest in the nickel, 316 stainless steel, and 304 stainless steel, respectively. Copper, Silcosteel® treated stainless steel, and glass-lined stainless steel tubing exhibited notably smaller amounts of deposits. The investigators attribute an active and varying role in solid deposition to surface catalysts on metal tubing, and propose that an inert coating on the metal surface inhibits solid deposition from reactions catalyzed by metal surfaces under thermal stress.
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Preprints, Symposium on Coke Formation and Mitigation, 210th National Meeting, American Chemical Society, 1995 anti-coking
Deposition from High Temperature Jet Fuels
Tim Edwards (Wright-Patterson Air Force Base), Joseph V. Atria (Pennsylvania State University)
Four approaches to mitigating carbon deposition were evaluated: fuel processing, fuel deoxygenation, additives, and Silcosteel® surface treatment (a preliminary study). Silcosteel® treatment prolonged the period before the onset of carbon deposition.
Fouling of Stainless Steel and Silcosteel Surfaces During Aviation-Fuel Autoxidation
E. Grant Jones, Walter J. Balster (Systems Research Laboratories, Inc.), Wayne A. Rubey (University of Dayton Research Institute)
In Silcosteel® treated tubing, the rate of autoxidation in POSF-2827 fuel was reduced by a factor of 2 to 3, versus untreated stainless steel tubing. This, in turn, reduced the deposition rate in the tubing. A synergistic effect of dispersant-treated fuel and Silcosteel® treated tubing was observed.
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High Heat Sink Fuels Program
Patricia Pearce (Wright-Patterson Air Force Base)
slide presentation, 2002, anti-coking
This presentation outlines the United States Air Force High Heat Sink Fuels Program (HHSF), and shows the benefit of Silcosteel® treatment for fuel heat sink capability. Presented data indicate JP-7 fuel performance could be achieved with a JP-8 based fuel, using a combination of Silcosteel® surface treatment and dispersant additives. Maximum deposition was reduced from 1000µg/cm2 for JP-8 fuel to less than 50µg/cm2, using JP-8 fuel with dispersant additives and Silcosteel® treatment.
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Penn State Multi-Discipline Tribology Group and Energy Institute Studies
Joseph Perez, Andre Boehman (Pennsylvania State University)
research report, year unknown (2001-2005), anti-coking
This is a summary of research activities on fuels and lubricants by the two Penn State University groups. In the Penn State microoxidation (PMSO) test, deposit formation induction time was 60 minutes or 120 minutes, respectively, for Silcosteel® layers of 900 or 1200 angstroms, versus 0 minutes for an untreated test coupon. Single cylinder diesel engine pistons were Silcosteel® treated or untreated and evaluated in a 50-hour steady-state engine test. At the end of the test, the rings on the treated piston were clean, whereas the top ring of the untreated piston could not be removed intact, and the treated piston was significantly cleaner than the untreated piston.
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References Relevant to Anti-Coking Properties
Lloyd, W., J. Stefanik, K. Cheenkachorn, A. Boehman, J.M. Perez, Effect of Surface Coatings on the Deposit-Forming Tendencies of Some Oils Biobased Industrial Fluids and Lubricants, 78-84 (2002).
Ervin, J.S., T.A. Ward, T.F. Williams, J. Bento, Surface Deposition within Treated and Untreated Stainless Steel Tubes Resulting from Thermal-Oxidative and Pyrolytic Degradation of Jet Fuel Energy & Fuels 17(3): 577-586 (2003).
Orhan, A., S. Eser, Analysis of Solid Deposits from Thermal Stressing of a JP-8 Fuel on Different Tube Surfaces in a Flow Reactor Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 40(2): 596-603 (2001).
Altin, O., A. Venkataraman, S. Eser, Analysis of sSolid Deposits from Thermal Stressing of a JP-8 Fuel on Different Tube Surfaces in a Flow Reactor Abstracts, 216th American Chemical Society National Meeting, Boston, MA, August 23-27 (1998).
Jones, E.G., L.M. Balster, W.J. Balster, Autoxidation of Aviation Fuels in Heated Tubes: Surface Effects Energy & Fuels 10(3): 831-836 (1996).
Pickard, J.M., E.G. Jones, Autoxidation of POSF-2827 Jet Fuel Abstracts, 211th American Chemical Society National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, March 24-28 (1996).
Jones, E.G., W.J. Balster, W.A. Rubey, Fouling of Stainless Steel and Silcosteel Surfaces During Aviation Fuel Autoxidation Abstracts, 210th American Chemical Society National Meeting, Chicago, IL, August 20-24 (1995).
Jones, E.G., W.J. Balster, W.A. Rubey, Fouling of Stainless Steel and Silcosteel Surfaces During Aviation Fuel Autoxidation Preprints of Extended Abstracts, American Chemical Society, Div. Petroleum Chemistry 40(4): 655-659 (1995).
Atria, J.V., H.H. Schobert, W. Cermignani, Nature of High-Temperature Deposits from n-Alkanes in Flow Reactor Tubes Preprints of Extended Abstracts, American Chemical Society, Div. Petroleum Chemistry 41(2): 493-497 (1996).
Edwards, T., J.V. Atria, Deposition of High-Temperature Jet Fuels Preprints of Extended Abstracts, American Chemical Society, Div. Petroleum Chemistry 40(4): 649-654 (1995).
Doungthip, T., J. Ervin, T. Ward, T. Williams, S. Zabarnick, Surface Deposition within Treated and Untreated Stainless-Steel Tubes Resulting from Thermal-Oxidative Degradation of Jet Fuel Preprints of Extended Abstracts, American Chemical Society, Div. Petroleum Chemistry 47(3): 204-207 (2002).
Rubey, W.A., R.C. Striebich, M.D. Tissandier, D.A. Tirey, Gas Chromatographic Measurement of Trace Oxygen and Other Dissolved Gases in Thermally Stressed Jet Fuel J. Chromatogr. Sci. 33: 433-437 (1995).
Corrosion Inhibition
An Analysis of Corrosion Performance for a Variety of Substrates and Coatings
David A. Smith, Marty Higgins, Gary Barone (Restek Corporation), Dr. Bruce Kendall (Elvac Laboratories)
slide presentation, ISA, Analytical Division, 2004
corrosion inhibition
This material summarizes the process of creating a Silcosteel®-CR corrosion inhibiting surface, and presents performance data. Resistance to 6M HCl, 6% ferric chloride (ASTM G45 Method B), acid-neutral-basic aqueous solutions (ASTM G61), salt spray (ASTM B117), and distilled water (ASTM D4585) confirm the benefits of a Silcosteel®-CR surface.
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Study of 6N HCl Corrosion on Commercial 316 SS, Hastelloy® C-22 and TrueTube™ Variants
test report, O'Brien Corporation, 2004
corrosion inhibition
Hastelloy® C-22 tubing, commercial 316L stainless steel tubing, commercial tubing with a fused silica coating, electropolished TrueTube™ EP tubing, and electropolished TrueTube™ EPS tubing with Siltek® surface treatment were exposed to 6N HCl for 72 hours to determine relative corrosion resistance. Total weight loss, weight loss in grams per hour per square centimeter and weight loss in mils per year are given. Micrographs of the post-treatment samples are visual confirmation of their condition. TrueTube™ EPS tubing with Siltek® surface treatment gives a 104-fold improvement over the performance of commercial 316L stainless steel, versus a 44-fold improvement by Hastelloy® C-22.
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Surface Passivation
Passivation of Components Used for Sample Transfer and Holding
slide presentation, general use, 2005
surface passivation
This overview is focused primarily on properties and performance of Siltek®, Sulfinert®, and Silcosteel® surface treatments that make these treatments key factors in analytical systems used in applications involving active sulfur compounds, NOx compounds, or polar analytes (e.g., alcohols, esters, ethers). Data are presented for sulfur compounds monitored in a variety of applications.
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The Analysis of Trace Level Sulfurs in Beverage Grade CO2
Barry Burger, David Smith (Restek Corporation)
slide presentation, Gulf Coast Conference, 2001
surface passivation
Sulfinert® treated stainless steel surfaces are unsurpassed for containing and transferring low ppb levels of highly reactive sulfur compounds. An Rt-XL Sulfur micropacked GC column is a robust, low cost tool for rapid analyses of these compounds, at trace levels, at above ambient temperatures. Example chromatograms for beverage grade CO2, beer, alcoholic beverage, and cola are included.
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The Preparation of Low Concentration Hydrogen Sulfide Standards
Robert Benesch, Malik Haouchine, Tracey Jacksier, Ph.D. (Air Liquide, Chicago Research Center)
Paper 050, Gulf Coast Conference, 2002
surface passivation
In a prior 30-day stability test, Sulfinert® and Silcosteel® treated stainless steel surfaces allowed no noticeable loss of 100ppb hydrogen sulfide from 500mL sample cylinders. Aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon steel surfaces produced immediate, total loss of the test compound. The authors describe a cylinder treatment for specialty gas applications, based on this research. In the new environment, H2S at levels of 100ppb or less are stable for at least 9 months.
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Analysis of Low-Level 1ppb to 20ppb Reactive Sulfurs in Air Samples
Dave Shelow, Gary Stidsen (Restek Corporation)
slide presentation, Pittsburgh Conference, 1998
surface passivation
Electropolished steel canisters and sample cylinders adsorb low-level volatile sulfur compounds. Sulfinert® treatment makes the interior surface of SilcoCan™ canisters inert. In experiments described here, SilcoCan™ canisters stored 11ppb of H2S, COS, methyl mercaptan, ethyl mercaptan, or dimethyl disulfide for six days, with little to no loss. Percent recovery vs time plots summarize the data for each compound.
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Improvement of Trace Level Sulfur Analysis in Refinery, Beverage and Environmental Applications
Gary Barone, David Smith, Barry Burger, Dave Shelow (Restek Corporation)
slide presentation, Gulf Coast Conference, 2003
surface passivation
This publication summarizes important applications for Sulfinert® treatment in preventing interaction between active sulfur compounds and carbon or iron active sites in sample storage and transfer systems. Representative chromatograms illustrate analyses of sulfur compounds at parts per billion levels.
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The Do's and Don’ts in the Analysis of Sulfur for Polyolefin Producers
Benjamin Biela, Roger Moore (Equistar Chemicals Analytical Services Laboratory), Robert Benesch, Bruce Talbert, Tracey Jacksier (Air Liquide, Chicago Research Center)
Paper 081, Gulf Coast Conference, 2003
surface passivation
The authors support six olefin plants producing 11.6 billion pounds of ethylene and 5.0 billion pounds of propylene per year, and other petrochemical products. ppb levels of sulfur compounds in polyolefin feeds poison catalyst systems, costing the manufacturers millions of dollars per year in lost profits. Reaction of sulfur compounds with the sampling and transfer system hampers accurate measurement of sulfur gases at critical ppb levels. Data show Sulfinert®, Silcosteel®, and Alphatech™ (see lit. cat.# RPC-pass3) treated system components are necessary for accurate analyses of sulfur gases in these process systems.
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Comparative Analysis of Tekmar 3000 and 3100 Purge and Trap Sample Concentrators: Performance Evaluation Between Electroform Nickel and Silcosteel-coated Sample Pathways
Glynda Smith (Teledyne Instruments / Tekmar)
Application Note 3100-002.doc; 9-Jun-03, 2003
surface passivation
Silcosteel® treated tubing and fittings are used throughout the Tekmar 3100 Sample Concentrator, versus a nickel sample pathway in the Tekmar 3000 concentrator. In a comparative study, the Tekmar 3100 concentrator provided a 3.80% overall increase in response for 59 US EPA Method 502.2 target compounds (10ppb each, 16 analyses), a 25.20% increase for 24 EPA Method 524.2 Rev. 4 polar target compounds (7 analyses), and a 10.50% increase for 5 active sulfur compounds (20ppb each, 3 analyses). Adsorptive losses were elevated in an aged nickel pathway.
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Relative Response Time of TrueTube™ When Measuring Moisture Content in a Sample Stream
Phil Harris (Haritec Scientific & Engineering Support)
test report, O'Brien Corporation, 2004
surface passivation
Field observations indicate there can be a delay in analyzer detection of changes in stream composition associated with changes in the moisture level in the stream. Commercial 316L stainless steel tubing, electropolished TrueTube™ EP tubing, and electropolished TrueTube™ EPS tubing with Siltek® surface treatment were evaluated for response time in reaction to moisture level change. In evaluations of relative adsorption of moisture, TrueTube™ EPS tubing with Siltek® surface treatment attained 98% of the reference gas response in 30 minutes; TrueTube™ EP tubing and commercial 316L stainless steel tubing required 60 minutes and 180 minutes, respectively. In evaluations of relative desorption of moisture, corresponding times were 35 minutes, 65 minutes, and 175 minutes.
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References Relevant to Passivation Properties
Firor, R.L., Use of GC/MSD for determination of volatile sulfur applications in natural gas fuel cell systems and other gaseous streams, application 5988-8904EN, Agilent Technologies Inc. (2001)
Firor, R.L., Dual-Channel gas chromatographic system for determination of low-level sulfur in hydrocarbon gases, application 5988-4453EN, Agilent Technologies Inc. (2001)
Ercanbrack, W.; et. al., Measurement of chemical warfare agent persistence on contaminated surfaces under controlled environmental conditions, West Desert Test Center, U.S. Army Dugway Proving Grounds
Larson, T., Instrumental and methodological developments for isotope dilution analysis of gaseous mercury species, Doctorial Thesis, Umea University (2007)
Swanson, M.L.; et. al., Advanced gasification mercury/trace metal control with monolith traps, Energy & Environmental Research Center, Technical Report (2007)
Leonard, R.; et. al., Update on gasification testing at the power systems development facility, 32nd International Technical Conference on Coal Utilization & Fuel Systems (2007)
Brown, R.C., Development of analytical techniques and scrubbing options for contaminants in gasifier streams intended for use in fuel cells, Final Report (2001)
Ueno, E., H. Oshima, I. Saito, H. Matsumoto, Multiresidue Analysis of Nitrogen-Containing and Sulfur-Containing Pesticides in Agricultural Products Using Dual-Column GC-NPD/FPD Shokuhin Eiseigaku Zasshi 43(2): 80-89 (2002).
Sulyok, M., C. Haberhauer-Troyer, E. Rosenberg, Observation of Sorptive Losses of Volatile Sulfur Compounds during Natural Gas Sampling J. Chromatogr. A 946(1-2): 301-305 (2002).
Sulyok, M., C. Haberhauer-Troyer, E. Rosenberg, M. Grasserbauer, Investigation of the Storage Stability of Selected Volatile Sulfur Compounds in Different Sampling Containers J. Chromatogr. A 917(1-2): 367-374 (2001).
Doskey, P. H.M. Bialk, Automated Sampler for the Measurement of non-Methane Organic Compounds Environ. Sci. Technol. 35(3): 591-594 (2001).
Krigbaum, M., G. Smith, E.T. Heggs, Comparative Analysis of Silcosteel Coated Sample Pathway and Electroform Nickel Sample Pathway in the Tekmar 3100 Sample Concentrator Preprints of Extended Abstracts, American Chemical Society, Div. Environmental Chemistry 40(2): 18-21 (2000).
Choi, M.H., K.R. Kim, B.C. Chung, Simultaneous Determination of Urinary Androgen Glucuronides by High Temperature Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry with Selected Ion Monitoring Steroids 65(1): 54-59 (2000).
Thompson, C.V.; M.B. Wise, Effects of Silcosteel Transfer Line on the Sampling of Volatile Organic Compounds Field Anal. Chem. Technol. 2(5): 309-314 (1998).
Ueno, E., H. Oshima, I. Saito, H. Matsumoto, Simultaneous Determination of Pesticide Residues in Ohba by GC-Pulsed FPD/FTD Aichiken Eisei Kenkyu Shoho 53: 33-41 (2003).
Tsunogai, U., F. Nakagawa, D.D. Komatsu, T. Gamo, Stable Carbon and Oxygen Isotopic Analysis of Atmospheric Carbon Monoxide Using Continuous-Flow Isotope Ratio MS by Isotope Ratio Monitoring of CO Anal. Chem. 74(22): 5695-5700 (2002).
Xu, X., L.L.P. van Stee, J. Williams, J. Beens, M. Adahchour, R.J.J. Vreuls, U.A.Th. Brinkman, J. Lelieveld, Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography (GCxGC) Measurements of Volatile Organic Compounds in the Atmosphere Atmos. Chem. Phys. 3: 665-682 (2003).
Firor R.L., B.D. Quimby, A Comparison of Sulfur Selective Detectors for Low Level Analysis of Gaseous Streams application 5988-2426EN, Agilent Technologies, Inc. (2001).
Firor, R.L., B.D. Quimby, Analysis of Trace Sulfur Compounds in Beverage Grade Carbon Dioxide application 5988-2464EN, Agilent Technologies, Inc. (2001).
Firor, R.L., B.D. Quimby, Automated Dynamic Blending System for the Agilent 6890 Gas Chromatograph: Low Level Sulfur Detection application 5988-2465EN, Agilent Technologies, Inc. (2001).
Navale, V., D. Harpold, A. Vertes, Development and Characterization of Gas Chromatographic Columns for the Analysis of Perbiological Molecules in Titan’s Atmosphere Anal. Chem. 70: 689-697 (1998).
Navale, V., Analytical Chemistry of Abiological and Biological Molecules by Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry Reviews in Analytical Chemistry 18(3): 193-234 (1999).
Li, W.C., A.R.J. Andrews, A Modified Inlet System for High Speed Gas Chromatography Using Inert Metal Tubing with a Carbon Dioxide Cooled Cryotrap J. High Res. Chromatogr. 19: 492-495 (1996).
George, R.B., P.D. Wright, Analysis of USP Organic Volatile Impurities and Thirteen Other Common Residual Solvents by Static Headspace Analysis Anal. Chem. 69(11): 2221-2223 (1997).
Harynuk J., T. Górecki, Comprehensive Two-dimensional Gas Chromatography in Stop-Flow Mode submitted to J. Sep. Sci.
Harynuk, J., T. Górecki, Design Considerations for a GC x GC System J. Sep. Sci. 25: 304-310 (2002).
Górecki, T., J. Poerschmann, In-Column Pyrolysis – A New Approach to an Old Problem Anal. Chem. 73(9): 2012-2017 (2001).
Ultra-High Vacuum
High Vacuum Applications of Silicon-Based Coatings on Stainless Steel
David A. Smith (Restek Corporation), Bruce R.F. Kendall (Elvac Laboratories)
slide presentation, American Vacuum Society International Conference on Metallurgical Coatings and Thin Films, 2003
ultra-high vacuum
Outgassing properties of untreated, heat-cleaned, Silcosteel® treated, and Silcosteel®-UHV treated stainless steel ultra-high vacuum system components are compared. In all investigations the Silcosteel® or Silcosteel®-UHV treated components greatly outperformed even the heat-cleaned components (4.5-fold to as much as 27-fold).
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Low Outgassing of Silicon-Based Coatings on Stainless Steel Surfaces for Vacuum Applications
David A. Smith, Martin E. Higgins (Restek Corporation), Bruce R.F. Kendall (Elvac Laboratories)
slide presentation, American Vacuum Society 50th International Symposium and Exhibition, 2003
ultra-high vacuum
This presentation is a shorter version of material presented at the American Vacuum Society International Conference on Metallurgical Coatings and Thin Films, May 2003 (lit. cat.# RPC-uhv1). Outgassing properties of untreated, heat-cleaned, Silcosteel® treated, and Silcosteel®-UHV treated stainless steel ultra-high vacuum system components are compared.
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Low Outgassing of Silicon-Based Coatings on Stainless Steel Surfaces for Vacuum Applications
David A. Smith, Martin E. Higgins (Restek Corporation), Bruce R.F. Kendall (Elvac Laboratories)
slide presentation, Society of Vacuum Coaters, 2005
ultra-high vacuum
This presentation duplicates material presented at the American Vacuum Society 50th International Symposium and Exhibition, Nov. 2003 (lit. cat.# RPC-uhv2), but includes text explanations of the figures. Outgassing properties of untreated, heat-cleaned, Silcosteel® treated, and Silcosteel®-UHV treated stainless steel ultra-high vacuum system components are compared.
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Semiconductor:
Holmes, R.J.; et. al., Purge gases for the removal of airborne molecular contamination during the storage and transport of silicon wafers, Semiconductor Manufacturing, pgs. 28-31 (2004)