Caustic corrosion in boilers - Lenntech

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Caustic corrosion in boilers

Caustic corrosion in boilers

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Concentration of caustic (NaOH) can occur as a result of steam

blanketing (which allow salts to concentrate on boiler metal
surface) or by localized boiling beneath porous deposits on tube
surface. Caustic corrosion occurs when caustic is concentrated and
dissolves the protective magnetite (Fe3 O4 ) layer, causing a loss of
base metal and eventual failure.
The following conditions appear to be necessary for this type of
cracking to occur :

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Caustic corrosion

1. The metal must be stressed,

Acidic corrosion

2. the boiler-water must contain caustic,

Hydrogen
embrittlement

3. at least a trace of silica must be present in the boiler-water, and

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4. some mechanisms, such as a slight leak, must be present to allow the boiler water to concentrate on the
stressed metal.
Stem blanketing is a condition that occurs when a steam layer forms between the boiler water and the tube
wall. Under this condition, insufficient water reaches the tube surface for efficient heat transfer. The water
that reaches the overheated boiler wall is rapidly vaporized, leaving behind a concentrated caustic solution,
which is corrosive.
Boiler feed water systems using demineralized or evaporated make up or pure condensate may be
protected from caustic attack through coordinated phosphate/pH control. Phosphate buffers the boiler water,
reducing the chance of large pH changes due to the development of high caustic concentrations. Excess
caustic combines with disodium phosphate and forms trisodium phosphate, by the following reaction:
Na2 HPO4 + NaOH Na3PO4 + H 2O
This results in the prevention of caustic buildup beneath deposits or within a crevice where leakage is
occurring.

Find information about the main problems occurring in boilers: scaling, foaming and priming, and corrosion.
For a description of the characteristics of the ideal boiler water click here.
Check also our web page about boiler feed water and boiler water treatment, in particular through deaeration (deaerating
heaters or membrane contractors).

References
Water treatment handbook Vol. 1-2, Degremont, 1991
Industrial water conditioning, BeltsDearborn, 1991
http://www.thermidaire.on.ca/boiler-feed.html

Copyright 1998-2009 Lenntech Water treatment & purification Holding B.V

08/12/2010 1:35