Comments on the Use of 316L Stainless Steel Cladding at the Geothermal Niland Test Facility

摘要

The possibility of leakage in the geothermal-brine steam-separator drums made of carbon steel and clad with 316L stainless steel is discussed. Although the brine source is reducing, ingestion of some oxygen into the system is likely. Such ingestion must be carefully monitored, for in the presence of chlorides, even trace quantities of O sub 2 (less than 1 ppM) can cause stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of austenitic stainless steels. An example is given of intergranular corrosion in 304 stainless steel exposed to brine from Sinclair No. 4 well located in the Salton Sea area. Measures to prevent SCC are suggested. The new grades of stainless steels are described that appear to be less susceptible to SCC in chlorides than are the more conventional austenitic grades. (ERA citation 02:000519)