Corrosion Induced by Steam Condensates in Upper Mahiao Pipeline, Leyte, Philippines

Abstract

Polarization experiments made using different types of metal immersed in Upper Mahiao condensate line were conducted to elucidate the processes that control corrosion. Results showed that low carbon steel is incapable of forming a protective layer because of the continued breakdown of the protective film. Austenitic stainless steel showed a very wide passivation zone, suggesting that they will resist corrosion in this type of fluid. Field experiments in Upper Mahiao steam condensate and condensate reinjection pipeline indicate unacceptable corrosion rates for carbons steels to be used in this environment. These results suggest poor passivation particularly in the presence of small amount of air. SEM, EPMA, XRD and XRF analyses were conducted on the corrosion samples to determine the actual chemical composition and the morphology of the corrosion products.