Effects of selected water treatments and cathodic protection on corrosion and embrittlement of condenser tubes: Final report

Technical Report · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1988

OSTI ID:5719729

This report summarizes the results of a three-year laboratory study investigating: (1) the interaction and effect of sulfide, dissolved oxygen, and temperature on the corrosion of copper alloy condenser tubes; (2) the effectiveness of selected cooling water treatments in mitigating sulfide-accelerated corrosion; (3) the effects of various parameters on the hydriding susceptibility of titanium tubing under cathodic protection conditions; and (4) the hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility of ferritic stainless steels under cathodic protection conditions. The selected cooling water treatments included ferrous sulfate, benzotriazole, sodium dimethyl dithiocarbamate, high molecular weight polyacrylamide, and Calgon CL-5. Much of the work was carried out utilizing seawater test loops designed to simulate condenser tube flow. The results of the study demonstrated that: (1) sulfide contamination of a copper alloy condenser tube can trigger rapid perforation of the tube; (2) ferrous sulfate treatement may be effective in mitigating sulfide-accelerated attack if initiated prior to and during any sulfide exposure; and (3) cathodic protection at high electronegative potentials will embrittle titanium and ferritic stainless steel condenser tubes. The report recommends further research directed at: (1) the long-term effectiveness of ferrous sulfate treatement in retarding sulfide-promoted pitting; (2) corrosion-accelerating mechanisms associated with chlorination and silt build-up; (3) an appropriate method for cleaning condenser tubes contaminated with a corrosion accelerant; (4) a more effective method of on-line monitoring of condenser tube corrosion; and (5) an update of recent electric utility experience concerning corrosion of copper alloy condenser tubes. 32 refs., 39 figs., 10 tabs.

• Research Organization: Ocean City Research Corp., NJ (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5719729
• Report Number(s): EPRI-CS-5589; ON: TI88920156
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS
200104* -- Fossil-Fueled Power Plants-- Components
ALLOYS
CATHODIC PROTECTION
CHALCOGENIDES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CONDENSERS
COPPER ALLOYS
CORROSION
CORROSION PROTECTION
ELEMENTS
EMBRITTLEMENT
FERRITIC STEELS
HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT
IRON ALLOYS
IRON BASE ALLOYS
METALS
PITTING CORROSION
STEAM CONDENSERS
STEELS
SULFIDES
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
TITANIUM
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
VAPOR CONDENSERS