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Corrosion problem in 304 S.S Urea Solution Pipeline

I am working in Metallurgical Laboratories of Pakistan Ordnance Factories and currently we are dealing with a problem with Urea solution pipeline made up of 304 stainless steel, as it experienced longitudinal and circumferential cracks and it seems as if it is the problem of Corrosion. Can anyone with a working knowledge of such problem help us out ?

With regards,

Husnain Ahmed
Corrosion of 304 SS Urea pipeline - Islamabad, Punjab, Pakistan
2004

A lot of things could be going on here chemically (notwithstanding the possible metallurgical problems). What concentration of Urea is in the pipeline and at what temperatures? Urea can be somewhat corrosive in aqueous systems, especially warm. What pressure is it under? Was the piping properly stress relieved?

Corrosion stress cracking could definitely be a problem here if the pipe was not properly passivated before use, or it could be stresses in the steel that were not relieved. You say that it looks like a corrosion related problem. What observation makes you think this? Go to 316ss.

Lee Kremer
Stellar Solutions, Inc.

McHenry, Illinois

2004

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