CORROSION OF POTENTIAL HEAT-EXCHANGER MATERIALS IN SINGAPORE SEAWATER

摘要

The petrochemical plants in Singapore are gathered on Jurong Island; as such the local seawater has a relatively high pollution level compared to other locations around the island. Furthermore the shortage of fresh water means that seawater has to flow through heat-exchangers. Seawater coupled with high inlet temperatures prevailing in Singapore, represents a high risk environment to materials particularly with respect to pitting and crevice corrosion. The corrosion behavior of seven materials has been assessed both in laboratory experiments and in a mock-up test system. It was found that crevice corrosion represents the most serious threat to heat exchangers operating with Singapore seawater; none of the high grade stainless steels or the two copper based alloys were immune to this form of attack. Only titanium proved to be completely corrosion resistant in Singapore seawater.