Operational controls - steam condensate circuit

[irish]

What are the normally controlled parameters in steam condensate circuit to avoid erosion-corrosion phenomena?

[opo21]

Yes, pH is controlled, dissolved oxygen as well, and conductivity.
Erosion-corrosion is accelerated due to high flows and that is what is measured separately when the damage phenomenon is happening.

[tuan]

The parameters which are required to be controlled for erosion-corrosion phenomenon mainly include the flow (velocity), and the temperature.
Dissolved oxygen would also cause pitting corrosion.
Identify closely the kind of damage mechanism which is currently on.

[jeem]

Yes, opo21 and tuan have listed most of the things which are on a regular check.
It is better just to have component level identification of flow especially where there is a problem being identified on frequent basis.

[irish]

Operations, may not be the right people to answer this but any thoughts when we just keep on replacing the problematic piping components with austenitic stainless steel?

[jeem]

Now, this has to be answered by our materials guys.

Operations, may not be the right people to answer this but any thoughts when we just keep on replacing the problematic piping components with austenitic stainless steel?

[mechcolor]

Though I have seen that happening, and have always condemned that.
Moving straight to ASS from normal CS piping to avoid erosion is no technical or commercially viable solution.
There are other many materials on the way which can resist this erosion-corrosion phenomenon.
In my opinion, material upgrade is only recommended once through studies, sessions, it is agreed with all other disciplines that any mitigation to control ongoing erosion-corrosion is not helping.

Operations, may not be the right people to answer this but any thoughts when we just keep on replacing the problematic piping components with austenitic stainless steel?

[opo21]

In that case, what are the recommended materials to be upgraded with?

Though I have seen that happening, and have always condemned that.
Moving straight to ASS from normal CS piping to avoid erosion is no technical or commercially viable solution.
There are other many materials on the way which can resist this erosion-corrosion phenomenon.
In my opinion, material upgrade is only recommended once through studies, sessions, it is agreed with all other disciplines that any mitigation to control ongoing erosion-corrosion is not helping.

Operations, may not be the right people to answer this but any thoughts when we just keep on replacing the problematic piping components with austenitic stainless steel?

[mechcolor]

Okay, so you just need to start with the basic ingredient to avoid such issues in steam condensate piping.
Just C-0.5Mo itself would help eliminate this.
Using SS piping elbows /reducers /tees would be an overkill.