A Case Study: Corrosion Failure of Tube Heat Exchanger

A failed heat exchanger was sent to CMRDI to investigate the possible causes of leaks occurred in the tubes of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger tubes were made of stainless steel 316 straight type. The heat exchanger served to heat up water basin (desalinated water) during the cold winter time. The water contains a high chloride level. Corrosion testing indicated susceptibility towards pitting corrosion especially at high temperature. It was suggested that controlling chloride level and proper adjustment of pH are the optimum solutions to avoid corrosion of heat exchanger pipes.