Filtern
Erscheinungsjahr
- 2014 (3) (entfernen)
Dokumenttyp
Sprache
- Englisch (3)
Schlagworte
- Geothermal energy (3) (entfernen)
The corrosion behavior of different high-alloyed metals including duplex and austenitic stainless steels as well as a nickel alloy have been evaluated in artificial geothermal fluids simulating the conditions in some locations with geothermal potential in Germany as well as two sites in Indonesia.
The suitability of low alloyed steel UNS G41300, stainless steels UNS S31603 UNS S31803, UNS S32760 and super austenitic steel UNS N08031 in these geothermal fluids, investigated by electrochemical measurements and exposure tests, is limited. The nickel based alloy UNS N06059 shows excellent corrosion resistance against pitting corrosion. Excluding its high cost, it is a very good alternative to be used in the construction of geothermal facilities having highly saline brines. Stainless and duplex steels exhibit a limited corrosion resistance concerning pitting and crevice corrosion.
Beside of the higher alloyed materials, also the low-alloyed steel UNS G41300 could be employed as a constructional material for the geothermal power plant in non-saline environments, as long as the wall thickness of the material vs. corrosion rate is taken into account.
Since geothermal wells are a feasible energy source to replace fossil fuel supply, many technologies have been developed to take advantage of geothermal energy. Nevertheless, service conditions in geothermal facilities are due to the chemical composition of hydrothermal waters and temperatures, in many cases, extreme in terms of corrosion. Therefore, materials selection based on preliminary material qualification is essential to guarantee a secure and reliable operation of the facilities.
This contribution deals with the evaluation of the corrosion behavior of different steels in flowing low saline, slightly alkaline, artificial geothermal water simulating the conditions in the Molasse-Basin, a location with geothermal potential in Germany.
Test results for steels UNS S31603 and UNS S31803 exposed to this geothermal water obtained by electrochemical measurements and exposure tests are presented. Results obtained in static and flowing water condition show good performance of both alloys with a possible onset of localized corrosion at UNS S31603 in static conditions.