Does liquid sulfur corrode 316L?
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I would like to ask the experts: Why does corrosion occur when transmitters made of 316L material, connected via flanges, are installed on equipment used for storing fluid streams? ?
Theoretically, there’s no problem. What is the form of corrosion? Generally, carbon steel experiences very mild corrosion when in contact with liquid sulfur
Liquid sulfur is still highly corrosive; I’m not quite sure about the principle behind its corrosiveness. . . It will corrode 316L, but it can still be used for a while. Is the material genuine?
It depends on the concentration of the flowing liquid. 316L does not have very strong corrosion resistance; if that’s not sufficient, nickel-based alloys could be considered
Liquid sulfur possesses unique viscosity-temperature properties: its viscosity is low and its fluidity is good at temperatures between 130–160 °C； Between 160~190 ℃, the viscosity increases as the S-ring chains begin to break ； Above 190 °C, the average bond length decreases and the viscosity becomes lower. Low temperatures, combined with water vapor, produce sulfuric acid and hydrogen sulfide, which can corrode the equipment. Measure: Add heat tracing and improve insulation.
But usually, the temperature does not reach such high levels either, and corrosion still occurs; this issue also appeared in our original liquid sulfur heating coils
Liquid sulfur should not be highly corrosive at room temperature; acidic gases such as hydrogen sulfide may be present in it, and it is only at high temperatures that sulfur causes sulfidic corrosion of metals.
In the sulfur recovery units for projects that have been implemented, corrosion of liquid sulfur is primarily a concern due to the presence of hydrogen sulfide dissolved in it
Pressure gauge transmitter, the type with diaphragm, and the diaphragm is made of 316L.
Liquid sulfur is essentially just sulfur.