Field testing of power utility condenser tube alloys

• Published in: Journal of materials for energy systems Vol. 6; no. 4; pp. 313 - 319
• Main Authors: Sheldon, G. P., Polan, N. W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Metals Park, OH American Society for Metals 01.03.1985
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Devices using thermal energy; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Exact sciences and technology; Heat exchangers (included heat transformers, condensers, cooling towers); Installations for energy generation and conversion: thermal and electrical energy; Installations for industrial steam generation; Corrosion resistance; Cooling water; Copper Alloys; Experimental result; Tube; Steam condenser; Thermal power plant; In situ test; Water vapor; Technical research
• ISSN: 0162-9719
• DOI: 10.1007/BF02833521

The performances of various Cu alloys (C71500, C70600, C19400, C443) after four years exposure in condenser stream-side and cooling water environments of three operating power utility plants are described. In the steam-side environment, the Cu alloys exhibited low corrosion rates, and there was little variation in corrosion resistance as a function of major alloying elements. A comparison of the field data and data from a laboratory simulated condenser environment showed good correlation. The corrosion rates of the materials in the cooling tower water (under deposits and subject to low flow conditions) were approx. an order of magnitude greater than their counterparts in the steam environment. In freshwater there was little variation in material performance as a function of alloying elements; in brackish water a distinct difference in corrosion response was noted among the various alloys. 1 ref.--AA