Heat pipe corrosion in permafrost areas of Tibet

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Based on current engineering applications, the corrosion risks associated with heat pipes in Tibet’s permafrost areas stem mainly from several factors: environmental medium corrosion – the soil in these high-altitude permafrost regions is rich in salts and contains high concentrations of groundwater; coupled with long-term cycles of freezing and thawing, this leads to electrochemical corrosion of the metal walls of the heat pipes, thereby damaging their structural integrity. Working medium corrosion: The working fluids such as liquid ammonia filled inside heat pipes may undergo slow chemical reactions with the metal walls of the pipes over time, leading to corrosion of the inner walls and reducing the heat transfer efficiency of the heat pipes. Climate factors accelerate corrosion: The strong ultraviolet radiation, large temperature differences, and complex climate conditions associated with high altitudes further accelerate the aging and corrosion of the outer wall of heat pipes. In current projects such as the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the corrosion of heat pipes in permafrost areas is mitigated mainly by applying anti-corrosion coatings to the outer walls of these heat pipes and using corrosion-resistant metal tubing, thereby ensuring that the heat pipes can continue to function effectively in cooling permafrost over the long term.