Corrosion study on low molecular organic acids in the initial condensation zone of steam turbines

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the corrosion of low molecular organic acids from water-steam cycles such as acetic acid and formic acid in mental parts of steam turbine initial condensation zone. Design/methodology/approach The corrosion behavior of gray cast iron in initial condensate containing different concentrations of acetic acid and formic acid was studied by weight loss test, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Findings The results indicated that gray cast iron had a certain degree of corrosion in the simulated initial condensate containing acetic acid and formic acid, but the acid corrosion of gray cast iron was not only caused by low molecular organic acid but also affected by inorganic anions such as Cl−. When Cl− existed, after removing corrosion products, surface analysis results proved that the surface of gray cast iron was rough and uneven with many cracks, which was corrected more serious. Originality/value The corrosion behavior of thermal equipment by low molecular organic acids and inorganic anions in water-steam cycles was studied. The research results can provide theoretical guidelines for corrosion control of steam turbine in power plants.