A Study of Scaling and Corrosion In Condenser Tubes Exposed to River Water

Abstract

Abstract The series of tests reported give quantitative data on the rates of fouling and corrosion in 17 to 20 ft condenser tubes under simulated operating conditions using Neches River water as the cooling medium. Alloys tested were: 90–10 Cupro-nickel, aluminum-brass, Alclad aluminum, admiralty, three stainless steels, and alloy 77. Heat-transfer coefficients and Fanning friction factors were measured three times daily for 3 to 4 months. Several mechanisms of the fouling rate function were employed to compare the results. It appears that the heat-transfer coefficient is essentially linear with time and that the rate of fouling, initially at least, is not a function of velocity, but is a function of chloride-ion concentration (or hardness). The effects of weekly caustic addition, continuous cathodic protection, and river-water velocity were examined. Other river-water variables measured included pH, chloride-ion content, and hardness. The effects of these variables are discussed qualitatively. 3.3.2, 4.6.7, 7.4.2