Failure Evaluation of Cupronickel Alloy Used in the Condenser of the Desalination Unit

This study looks into the various forms of corrosion that affect various elements of the South Pars Gas Company's first refinery's desalination plant, such as water compartments, tubular plates, support tubes, and the self-tube. To investigate the corrosion variables, a thorough analysis of the device's structure and process, as well as the material, was conducted. During repairs, damaged tubes were sampled and subjected to scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray fluorescence testing. Evaluating scanning electron microscopy pictures from the inner surface of the tube reveals deformation and a rise in the tube's inner diameter. The X-ray diffraction patterns and elemental analysis by X-ray fluorescence show that the inner surface is corroded. The external surface of the tube and analysis of the diffraction patterns in this region reveal the formation of copper oxides on the outer surface of the tubes, which, when compared to electron microscopic images, distinguishes pitting corrosion caused by acid condensation collision on the outer surface of the tube. Finally, the major cause of the fracture was pitting corrosion.

Keywords:

desalination , Copper- nickel alloy , X-ray diffraction , electron microscopy , pitting corrosion