Polythionic acid stress corrosion cracking is a form of rapid, intergranular cracking that occurs predominantly in (such as 300-series stainless steels like 304 and 316) and high-nickel austenitic alloys. The Chemical Mechanism
) is pumped into the system to maintain a slight positive pressure.
For external environments, such as the outer surfaces of austenitic heater tubes firing sulfur-containing fuels, maintaining the metal temperature above the water dew point prevents the condensation required to generate polythionic acid. This is achieved using firebox pilots, electric strip heaters, or heavy-duty industrial dehumidification units. Operationalizing the PDF for Turnaround Planning
Refinery process units (hydrodesulfurizing, hydrocracking, FCCUs) are taken down.
While the search for "nace sp0170 pdf 2021" is likely to be met with disappointment, NACE SP0170-2018 remains a crucial tool in the fight against PTA stress corrosion cracking. By following the guidelines for alkaline washing, nitrogen blanketing, and shutdown procedures, refineries can effectively protect their assets and ensure the safety of their personnel. Always ensure you are using the most recent active version of any standard—in this case, the 2018 edition—for reliable, safety-critical applications.
) form rapidly when metal sulfide corrosion scales—deposited on internal surfaces during regular operation—are simultaneously exposed to moisture ( ) and oxygen ( ) during a shutdown. Internal vs. External Environments
If equipment does not need to be opened for internal inspection or maintenance, the simplest strategy is to exclude oxygen entirely.