Use of Stainless Steel Tubing in Boiling Applications for Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers

Abstract

Abstract The use of stainless steel (SS) tubes in boiling applications must consider the potential risk of chloride stress corrosion cracking (SCC). Most steam generating tube bundles are carbon steel or low alloy steels, but occasionally, higher alloys are needed for the process side corrosion resistance. The use of SS tubes for these cases has had both successes and failures. SS has performed very well in other water and steam services, such as condensing, steam superheating, and boiler feed water (BFW) preheating applications, but for steam generating (i.e. boiling services) the experience has been mixed. Similar failures have also occurred in various process services which are being heated and contain water. The boiling of the water can lead to SCC. Some of the variables that can affect the risk of SCC for SS tube bundles in boiling services include: chloride concentration, tube wall temperature, exchanger design (i.e. kettle, thermosiphons, etc.), vertical vs. horizontal tubes, full vaporization vs. partial vaporization, recirculation rate, and BFW blow down rate. If SS materials are being considered, the risk of SCC can be determined by analyzing these variables as described in this paper. Where the risk of SCC cannot be avoided, an alternate, resistant tube material should be selected. The material options for various services are presented herein.