Material selection issue for the acidic water reflux pipeline.
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Recently, there was a second corrosion-related leak at the elbow of the acidic water reflux pipeline (running from the tower top air cooler to the acidic water reflux tank); the material used for this pipeline is ordinary carbon steel. I would like to ask my colleagues to share their insights – what material is used for the pipelines in the acidic water stripping and reflux sections of your facilities? Have there been any issues with corrosion leaks? If I want to upgrade the material, which one would be better? Our acidic water comes from the hydrogenation workshop.
Based on experience, ordinary stainless steel will suffice!
Thank you for your answer, but acidic water contains a high amount of chloride ions, which can cause severe corrosion to ordinary stainless steel. Is there a better solution?
Can an anti-corrosion lining made of carbon steel be used?
The acidic water in this area is rich in hydrogen sulfide, which primarily causes wet chlorosulfide corrosion; ordinary stainless steel should be sufficient for use in such conditions!
In terms of cost-effectiveness, thickened carbon steel pipelines can be used with regular thickness measurements; stainless steel is too expensive and is susceptible to CL corrosion.
Our experience in treating acidic water for hydrogen production: carbon steel will corrode and become perforated in about half a year, while ordinary stainless steel generally does not suffer such damage for more than 3 years.
Please use CPVC/FRP composite pipes, which are cost-effective and practical.
I’m using 316L material here; it also depends on the components in the acidic water. My original carbon steel will work just fine as well – the replacement is done to prevent leaks.
Oh..... When it was designed, it was assumed that carbon steel would form a \"rust protective layer\" after corrosion, but the high level of impurities in acidic water washed away this so-called protective layer, which ultimately led to leakage. I wonder if it will be better after using 316L...
Yes, I’ve been wondering too why the pipelines in chemical plants aren’t made of plastic In this way, many leakage problems can be avoided! However, I’m wondering how to address the sealing and aging issues in the pipe connections when using this material