When dealing with demanding process environments, especially those involving corrosive or high-pressure media, diaphragm seals are essential for safeguarding pressure measurement instruments. But what happens when your diaphragm seals are exposed to Hydrogen-rich environments? That is where gold plating makes all the difference.

The Hidden Challenge: Hydrogen Permeation

Hydrogen permeation is a subtle yet damaging process that can significantly reduce the lifespan of diaphragm seals. In industries like oil and gas, petrochemical, and cryogenics, hydrogen atoms (small and highly mobile) can infiltrate even the most robust metal diaphragms. Over time, this leads to a phenomenon known as "doming," where the diaphragm warps, distorting pressure readings and necessitating costly replacements.

If you have ever removed a diaphragm seal from service only to find the diaphragm itself is domed out, you are likely facing the effects of hydrogen permeation.

Gold Plating: A Proactive Line of Defense

At Haygor Instrument & Company Inc., we offer aerospace-grade gold plating designed specifically to combat hydrogen ingress. Applied to diaphragm seals, our gold plating acts as an impervious barrier, significantly reducing the diffusion of hydrogen through the metal.

Why Choose Gold?

Gold isn’t just a luxury metal; it has unmatched corrosion resistance and impermeability, especially at the microscopic level. This makes it uniquely suited for protecting instrumentation in aggressive environments.

Custom Thickness Options for Tailored Protection

Every application is different. That is why we offer three gold plating thickness options, allowing customers to match protection levels to their specific operating conditions:

Haygor Code Thickness

These options are engineered to extend the life of diaphragm seals, reducing downtime and replacement cycles and ultimately driving down total cost of ownership.

Key Value Drivers

• Extended Equipment Life: Gold plating reduces exposure damage from hydrogen, thereby extending the operational lifespan of diaphragm seals.
• Reduced Maintenance Intervals: Less frequent replacements result in fewer process interruptions and lower maintenance labor costs.
• Rapid Turnaround: Our standard 7-day lead time, with expedited options, means you can keep your operation running smoothly.

Industry Applications

Gold-plated diaphragm seals are proving indispensable in:

• Petrochemical and Refining
• Oil and Gas Exploration
• Cryogenic Processing
• Pulp and Paper
• Water and Wastewater Treatment

Asking the Right Questions

If you're wondering whether gold plating is right for your process, ask yourself:

• Are your diaphragm seals domed out when removed from service?
• Do you operate in hydrogen-laden environments?

If the answer is yes, then gold plating isn’t just an option, it’s a necessity.