Optimizing material selection: A study of erosion-corrosion performance in homogeneous and carbide-containing materials

Abstract

Erosion-corrosion is a major factor contributing to material loss and reduced useful life of hydro-transport equipment. The combined effect of erosion and corrosion is responsible for high degradation rates. In oil sand mining, materials from different classes are used for various applications depending on the severity of degradation. In this research, we assessed the erosion-corrosion characteristics of four uniform materials (pipeline and abrasion-resistant steels) as well as five materials containing varying types and quantities of carbide (chrome white iron and WC-based overlay). The materials underwent erosion-corrosion testing within a slurry container (comprising 3.5 wt% NaCl + 35 wt% natural silica sand) at a temperature of 45 °C. Under the test conditions, it was found that matrix wear influences the extent of carbide degradation for all carbide-containing materials. To provide good erosion-corrosion resistance, the surrounding matrix that supports the carbide must have sufficient wear and corrosion resistance. This study also identifies the dominant wear mechanisms for both uniform and carbide-containing materials.