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Galvanic effects accelerate crevice corrosion of type 316L SS flanges coupled to 6% Mo alloy. [Stainless Steel]

Journal Article · · Materials Performance
OSTI ID:6175332
 [1]
  1. Corrosion Testing Labs., Inc. (United States)

A service water system underwent a material replacement program in recent years. The service was a once-through system fed from the Delaware River. The original type 316L stainless steel (SS) and cement-lined carbon steel were replaced with 6% Mo alloy AL-6XN (UNS N08367). The majority of the system was 6% Mo piping connected to type 316L SS valves via gasketed flanges. During several years of operation, plant personnel observed localized crevice corrosion on the flange-face areas of the type 316L SS (UNS S31603) flanges. This area typically contains an insulation gasket material (a fibrous bound elastomeric material) that is sandwiched between flange joints. Galvanic effects, caused by the mixed alloy construction (i.e., type 316L SS to alloy 6% Mo), may be accelerating the observed crevice corrosion of type 316L SS. This possibility was of significant concern, and flange isolation kits typically used for isolating cathodic protection systems or dissimilar metals were being used. However, the plant grounding system caused the isolated flanges to have zero electrical resistance between them.

OSTI ID:
6175332
Journal Information:
Materials Performance, Journal Name: Materials Performance Vol. 38:6; ISSN MTPFBI; ISSN 0094-1492
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English