Innovative 3D-Printed Tantalum Patches for Non-Destructive Repair of Enamelled Reactors

Kaszás, Zsombor Gábor and Varga, Gábor and Poós, Tibor (2026) Innovative 3D-Printed Tantalum Patches for Non-Destructive Repair of Enamelled Reactors. KEY ENGINEERING MATERIALS, 1060. pp. 61-69. ISSN 1013-9826

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Abstract

Glass-enamel coated reactors are essential in chemical and pharmaceutical production, yet repairing local enamel defects remains difficult without risking further damage. This work introduces a non-destructive repair concept using a custom 3D-printed tantalum patch that magnetically adheres to the curved reactor surface. The patch, produced by powder bed fusion and equipped with a silicone gasket and embedded neodymium magnets, was tested in a glass-lined laboratory reactor under 18 combinations of temperature, pressure, and mixing speed. A pH-indicator paper placed beneath the patch verified sealing performance in a mildly acidic medium. No liquid penetration occurred under any tested condition, demonstrating that the magnetically fixed tantalum patch provides effective temporary repair of enamel defects. The results support its potential industrial applicability and highlight future development needs in gasket optimization and magnetic clamping design.

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