Corrosion of ammonia solution on 316L tubing in ammonia condensers
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A few days ago, it was discovered that the ammonia condensation cooler (tubular type) was leaking. Upon inspection, it was found that the weld seam where the tube sheet at the ammonia condensation end met the tubes was severely corroded; the tube walls themselves were fine, and there were no issues with the ammonia inlet side. I’d like to ask the experts: is it caused by the ammonia water after condensation? The device has only been in use for 1 year; it’s made of 316L material.
Ammonia water is not that highly corrosive; the corrosion is likely caused by the accumulation of acidic gases in the condenser cooler
This is a common problem with condensate; improper treatment of the weld areas makes them the weakest points~
What are the system pressure and temperature?
Switch to titanium material; I had new titanium materials made for Ningxia, and it’s been working fine ever since
It is necessary to check the location of the corrosion (whether it is on the outer edge of the tube sheet or in a discrete pattern) and what its shape is. In theory, 316L has good corrosion resistance at temperatures below 100 degrees Celsius, and it should also be fine in ammonia at that temperature. Are there any other impurities that have caused stress corrosion?
OP, there are invalid images; I’m very interested in this topic. Normally, stainless steel should not crack in an ammonia environment, while carbon steel tends to crack in anhydrous liquid ammonia. What paths do the tube side and shell side take respectively? What are the specific operating conditions?