Key Condenser Failure Mechanisms

摘要

The steam surface condenser is an integral component at electric utilities and other facilities that generate power. It is also the point where highly pure condensate can potentially come in contact with very impure cooling water via a condenser tube leak. The consequences literally can be catastrophic for plant operations. This article outlines many of the factors that can influence condenser tube corrosion and the effects contaminant in-leakage can have on steam generating units. When contaminants enter a steam-generating system, the high temperatures will initiate many reactions. Magnesium chloride or sulfate salts react with water to produce a magnesium hydroxide precipitate, plus acid. This can cause the boiler water pH to fall well below neutral, which -- given the harsh conditions inside a boiler -- is potentially catastrophic. Oxygen converts the protective cuprous oxide film on the tube surfaces to cupric oxide, after which the ammonia complexes the copper and puts it in solution.