The effect of water vapour and sulphur on corrosion mechanisms of steels

Satu Tuurna, Sanni Yli-Olli, Liisa Heikinheimo

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference article in proceedingsScientificpeer-review

    Abstract

    It is well known that water vapour accelerates oxidation; however different gas conditions and material compositions affect the mechanism. The paper addresses this issue from two different application areas; biomass and kraft recovery boilers. In these applications water vapour and sulphur are simultaneously affecting the corrosion mechanism, though the mechanisms are different. Low-alloyed steels were exposed to an atmosphere containing different amounts of water vapour at temperatures of 420, 550 and 600°C. Under oxidising conditions increasing water content generally accelerates oxidation. However, presence of SO2 in moist atmosphere retards oxidation at high temperatures. The phenomenon is seen at low temperatures with higher chromium contents. Stainless steel 304L was tested in an atmosphere containing hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide with and without water vapour at a temperature of 440°C to simulate elevated kraft recovery boiler furnace conditions. The tests showed that water vapour in the test atmosphere produces a protective spinel oxide on the metal surface. In tests without water vapour, the initial scales at metal surface were different sulphur compounds and intensive sulphidation occurred. The effect of water vapour on the sulphidation mechanism is addressed in the paper through the described tests and thermodynamic modelling.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publication7th International Symposium on High Temperature Corrosion and Protection of Materials, HTCPM 2008
    Subtitle of host publicationSelected, peer reviewed papers. Part 2
    EditorsPierre Steinmetz
    PublisherTrans Tech Publications
    Pages841-849
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2008
    MoE publication typeA4 Article in a conference publication
    Event7th International Symposium on High-Temperature Corrosion and Protection of Materials, HTCPM 2008 - Les Embiez, France
    Duration: 18 May 200823 May 2008
    Conference number: 7

    Publication series

    SeriesMaterials Science Forum
    Number595-598
    ISSN0255-5476

    Conference

    Conference7th International Symposium on High-Temperature Corrosion and Protection of Materials, HTCPM 2008
    Abbreviated titleHTCPM 2008
    Country/TerritoryFrance
    CityLes Embiez
    Period18/05/0823/05/08

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