Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

-----

Sea water corrosion of 316L

We must use a heat exchanger with Stainless steel 316l tube TO be low pressure condenser.
Tube side: sea water
Shell side: L.P.Steam at 140 C.

I know this type of stainless steel is not suitable at 140C, but what is your idea?

A.Hassan Faraji
Razi Petrochemical Co. - Bandar Imam, Iran
2002

---

2002

Hi Hassan,

You could consider PVDF which is OK to l40 degr. C but that's its upper limit, pressure wise.

There are the teflons, too. But am totally unsure of their pressure liminations.

All plastics are, however, lousy heat transfer agents but I have used, for chemical plants, PVDF heat exchangers quite a few times ... it being far more acid resistant than any stainless.

Food for thought, anyhow.

Freeman Newton [deceased]
(It is our sad duty to advise that Freeman passed away
April 21, 2012. R.I.P. old friend).

---

310S (improved type of 310 for welding) is suitable for exchangers.

Good luck.

ERTAN YAZICI
- TURKEY
2002