In the last years, geothermal power has become a reliable and significant energy source. Because service conditions in geothermal facilities from deeply located aquifers are usually critical in terms of corrosion, materials selection is a very important issue. Preliminary evaluation of the material's suitability represents therefore a valuable strategy to ensure a secure and reliable operation of the facilities. In geothermal applications, the use of high-alloyed materials such as superaustenitic stainless steels, duplex stainless steels, and nickel-based alloys has been considered as a good alternative because of their remarkable corrosion resistance and appropriate mechanical properties. Nevertheless, the corrosion behavior of those metallic materials in geothermal fluids at service conditions has not been determined in many cases. In this work, laboratory tests including electrochemical investigations and exposure tests at 100 degrees C and 150 degrees C (1,500 kPa) showed the limits of suitability concerning localized corrosion of three different, corrosion-resistant alloys in the highly saline fluid of the North German Basin.
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 fluids 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 duplex steel S31803 (318LN, X2CrNiMoN22-5-3, 1.4462) conducted by electrochemical measurements and exposure tests in artificial geothermal waters simulating the conditions in different locations with geothermal potential in Germany.
The duplex steel S31803 shows limited suitability for applications in artificial geothermal waters due to its susceptibility to pitting and crevice corrosion.
For low saline geothermal waters it can be considered suitable at moderate temperatures. Slight crevice corrosion susceptibility needs to be considered.
Results are being incorporated into a materials catalogue for geothermal applications which shall provide basic information for designers and users of geothermal facilities.