Characterisation of the coke formed during metal dusting of iron in CO-H2-H2O gas mixtures

Carbon deposits formed on the surface of iron samples during carburisation at 700 °C in a gas mixture of 75%CO-24.81%H₂-0.19%H₂O were characterised by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Mössbauer spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Cross-section observation of the iron sample by light optical microscopy revealed the formation of cementite after only 10 min reaction, together with a thin layer of graphite. After 4 h reaction, a thick coke layer was formed on top of the cementite surface. SEM surface observation indicated the formation of filamentous carbon in the coke layer. Further analysis of the coke by XRD and Mössbauer showed the presence of mainly Fe₃C and small amount of Fe₂C but no metallic iron in the carbon deposit. TEM analysis of the coke detected very convoluted filaments with iron-containing particles at the tip or along their length. These particles were identified to be cementite by selected area diffraction. Carbon deposits produced at the same temperature but with other gas compositions were also analysed by using XRD. It was found that with a low content of CO, e.g. 5%, both α-Fe and Fe₃C were detected in the coke. Increasing CO content to more than 30%, iron carbide was the only iron-containing phase.     

Coke formation and metal dusting of electroplated Ni3Al-CeO2-based coatings in CO-H2-H2O

Coke formation and metal dusting of electrodeposited pure, 5 μm CeO₂-dispersed, and 9-15 nm CeCO₂-dispersed Ni₃Al coatings were investigated in CO-H₂-H₂O at 650 °C for a period of 500 h. All Ni₃Al coatings showed the inferior long-term resistance to coke formation and metal dusting to the Fe-Ni-Cr alloy due to failure to form a continuous Al₂O₃ scale. CeO₂-dispersed Ni₃Al coatings, especially 9-15 nm CeCO₂-dispersed coatings, exhibited more severe coke formation and metal dusting than the pure Ni₃Al coating. The detrimental effect of CeO₂ is believed to be caused by the enhanced formation of NiO/Ni crystals on the coating surfaces or at the grain boundaries, which catalysed the carbon deposition and promoted the carbon attack on Ni₃Al coatings.     

Internal oxidation and metal dusting of Fe-Si alloys

Iron and Fe-Si alloys (1, 2, 3 and 5 wt.% Si) were reacted at 680 °C with a gas mixture of 68% CO, 26% H₂ and 6% H₂O (a_C = 2.9, p_O2 = 2 × 10⁻²³ atm). Alloy reaction products consisted of internally precipitated SiO₂, an external scale of Fe₃C + SiO₂ and surface coke deposits containing cementite and silica particles. Coking and metal dusting rates both increased with alloy silicon level. This is proposed to be related to an increase in graphite nucleation sites at Fe₃C/SiO₂ phase boundaries, and the volume expansion accompanying graphite precipitation.     

Oxidation, carburisation and metal dusting of 304 stainless steel in CO/CO2 and CO/H2/H2O gas mixtures

The oxidation and carburisation behaviour of 304 stainless steel was studied during thermal cycling in CO/CO₂ at 700 °C, and also in CO/H₂/H₂O at 680 °C. Thermal cycling caused repeated scale separation which accelerated chromium depletion from the alloy subsurface regions. The CO/CO₂ gas, with a_C=7 and , caused internal precipitation of oxides and carbides, some surface damage, but no dusting. In contrast, the CO/H₂/H₂O gas, with a_C = 19 and caused rapid graphite deposition and metal dusting. This was accompanied by internal oxidation and carburisation. The internal oxide was identified as spinel, which forms in the short term, but not at long reaction time. Its formation produced a significant volume expansion, which disrupted the material and resulted in surface damage in both gas atmospheres. In CO/H₂/H₂O, however, direct graphite deposition and metal disintegration into dust was the main reaction. The very different reaction morphologies produced by the two gas mixtures are discussed in terms of competing gas-alloy reaction steps.     

Effect of gas composition on coking and metal dusting of 2.25Cr–1Mo steel compared with iron

The reaction of 2.25Cr–1Mo at 650 °C with CO–H₂–H₂O gas was investigated. Gas compositions were varied with respect to p_CO and nominal carbon activity which calculated assuming equilibrium of the synthesis gas reaction. After an induction period, the steel grew a cementite scale, covered by a graphite deposit containing cementite particles. Carbon uptake kinetics were roughly linear. The rates did not correlate with the carbon activity, but indicated the existence of three parallel reaction paths. Individual rate constants were greater than those for pure iron, an effect attributed to faster cementite scale disintegration caused by the presence of chromium-rich oxide particles.     

Kinetics and mechanisms of nickel metal dusting I. Kinetics and morphology

The kinetics of nickel metal dusting were investigated at different gas compositions at 680 °C. The carbon uptake rate on nickel exposed to supersaturated H₂/CO/H₂O gas mixtures (nominal a_C = 19) increased as p_CO increased from 0.31 to 0.68 atm, but decreased with further increase in p_CO. This behaviour was ascribed to the existence of parallel, independent reaction paths, and the rate was well described by

     

Effect of copper on metal dusting of austenitic stainless steels

Three steels, 304SS, 310SS and 800H, were alloyed with 5%, 10%, and 20% (by weight) copper, and then exposed to 68%CO-31%H₂-1%H₂O gas at 680 °C (a_C = 19 and p_O2=5.4×10^-25 atm) under thermal cycling conditions. Kinetic measurements showed that copper-free alloys all dusted, with 304SS experiencing the greatest metal wastage. Copper additions did not have any effect on metal wastage of 304SS, but reduced the attack on 310SS and 800H markedly at levels of 5% and 10%. However, increasing the copper content to 20% produced large copper-rich precipitates which accelerated dusting by promoting internal graphitisation.Dusting was associated with surface coking. When pitting occurred, on copper-free alloys and on copper containing 304SS, large coke structures grew above the pits. Internal grain boundary carburisation always took place, and intragranular carbides also precipitated when dusting occurred. A lamellar surface layer of internally precipitated spinel and austenite also developed in association with dusting. The copper effect is discussed in terms of its alloy solubility and its known beneficial effect in Ni-Cu binaries.     

Metal dusting and coking of alloy 803

Investigation was made by SEM examination on metal dusting and coking behaviours of alloy 803 in a flowing gas mixture of H₂-CO-H₂O. It was found that an oxide scale arisen on the sample surface at the beginning of exposure. Metal dusting started when graphite deposition occurred earlier at the local defects in the oxide scale than the defects were repaired by enough supply of chromium from the interior of alloy matrix. Coke consisted of graphite filaments and metallic particles produced by disintegrating of alloy matrix, and grew up from the defects in the oxide scale with pit left in the sample surface. Increasing chromium content, doping a small amount of silicon and reducing grain size to create fast diffusion paths for chromium and silicon to alloy surface, all promote the formation of a dense oxide scale and favor early self-repairing of the defects in the oxide scale before occurrence of graphite deposition. The resistance of an alloy to metal dusting can be improved generally by means of these methods.     

Internal oxidation and carburisation of heat-resistant alloys

The commercial alloys Nicrofer-HT, Alloy 800 and Type 304 stainless steel have been exposed under thermal cycling conditions to CO-CO₂ gas mixtures at temperatures of 650-750 °C. Thermal cycling led to repeated scale spallation which accelerated chromium depletion from the alloy subsurface regions. Subsequent dissolution of carbon and oxygen into the alloys led to extensive internal precipitation of carbides and oxides. The large volume fractions of carbide and oxide left small quantities of iron-nickel-rich metal. The in situ oxidation of internal carbides in the stainless steel led to large volume expansions and the development of mechanical stress. This was increased during thermal cycling, leading to disintegration of the surface regions. Temperature and surface treatment were both found to be significant factors in the resistance of alloys to the CO-CO₂ atmosphere.     

Iron layer formation during cementite decomposition in carburising atmospheres

In the following report cementite (Fe₃C) formation and subsequent decomposition is investigated on pure iron samples at 700 °C in CO-H₂-H₂O gas mixtures. The carbon activities of the atmospheres are a_C=15.9 and 20, values higher than the value of the equilibrium α-Fe+Fe₃C. During the carburisation process cementite forms at the surface. Graphite deposition at the surface initiates cementite decomposition. An iron layer of 1-3 μm thickness forms between cementite and graphite as a result of cementite decomposition. In previous studies of metal dusting on iron it was found that at lower temperatures T?650°C the decomposition product iron is found in the coke as small particles.     

High temperature corrosion of cast heat resisting steels in CO + CO2 gas mixtures

Two commercial variants of the cast heat resistant grade HP40Nb (Fe-25Cr-35Ni, Nb modified) were exposed to CO/CO₂ gases at 982 and 1080 °C in order to simulate exposure to the carbon and oxygen potentials realised in steam reformers under normal and overheated conditions. Both alloys developed external chromium-rich oxide scales, intradendritic silica precipitates and interdendritic oxide protrusions where primary, interdendritic carbides were oxidised in situ. Surprisingly, the lower silicon content alloy developed a more continuous internal silica layer, thereby slowing external scaling. Intradendritic oxidation was fast in both alloys, and is attributed to interfacial oxygen diffusion. Both alloys underwent rapid internal carburisation, indicating that their oxide scales failed to prevent carbon access to the underlying alloys under these reaction conditions.     

Ion-plated Al-Al2O3 films as diffusion barriers between NiCrAlY coating and orthorhombic-Ti2AlNb alloy

Ion-plated Al-Al₂O₃ cermet films were fabricated as diffusion barriers between NiCrAlY coating and orthhombic-Ti₂AlNb alloy. The oxidation and interdiffusion behaviour of coatings with and without diffusion barrier were investigated in isothermal and cyclic oxidation tests at 800 °C. The results indicated that substantial interdiffusion and rapid oxidation degradation occurred in the coated specimens without diffusion barrier. With Al-Al₂O₃ diffusion barriers, deferred interdiffusion and improved oxidation resistance was observed. Among them, duplex coating containing 1Al-Al₂O₃ interlayer exhibited the best performance. Coefficient of diffusion hindering and factor of reaction hindering were proposed to compare and quantify the efficiency of the diffusion barriers.     

Langmuir-Blodgett films of dococyltriethylammonium bromide and octadecanol on iron. Deposition and corrosion inhibitor performance in CO2 containing brine

The stability and compressibility of Langmuir films of dococyltriethylammonium bromide (C₂₂TAB) and 1-octadecanol (C₁₈OH) and their mixtures on water surfaces were first investigated. Langmuir-Blodgett films were transferred onto iron substrate. Their effect on corrosion of iron in carbon dioxide containing brine were investigated by electrochemical methods. The C₁₈OH formed a thin homogenous film with molecular area 19.4 Å² at 36 mN m⁻¹ at water surface. The films of C₂₂TAB and C₂₂TAB/C₁₈OH mixtures were less dense, with 31 Å² molecular area at 36 mN m⁻¹ at water surface. The corrosion rate of iron substrate was reduced by 95% by deposition film of C₁₈OH, while the corrosion rate of iron was reduced by 60% for films of C₂₂TAB and C₂₂TAB/C₁₈OH mixtures.     

Coke formation during metal dusting of iron in CO‐H2‐H2O gas with high CO content

Iron carburisation and coke formation during metal dusting of iron have been investigated in the gas mixture of 75%CO‐24.8%H₂‐0.2%H₂O at 600°C and 700°C. In all cases, cementite is formed at the surface, together with a coke layer on the top. In the coke layer, two morphologies of graphite are identified: compact bulk graphite with a uniform thickness and a columnar structure, and filamentous carbon with iron‐containing phases at the tip or along its length. The examination of coke formation in different stages of reaction at 700°C reveals that the coke contains two layers. The inner layer is composed of filaments, while the outer layer consists of the compact columnar graphite. After 2 h reaction the top compact graphite layer has suffered a serious deformation and has formed fractures because of the growth of catalytic filamentous carbon underneath. These filaments grow outside from these fractures and finally cover the whole surface after 4 h reaction. At 600°C, however, the coke contains a thick bulk graphite layer and non‐uniformly distributed filaments on the top. The bulk graphite layer is composed of many graphite columns which are loosely piled and are vertical to the surface. Each graphite column consists of many fine graphite fibres in parallel with the columnar axis. Filaments grow outside preferably from the gaps among these graphite columns and along the grinding scratches. TEM analysis of the coke detects very convoluted filaments with iron‐containing particles at the tip or along their length. XRD and TEM analyses show that these particles are Fe₃C rather than metallic iron.     

Effect of H2S on metal dusting of iron

A review is given on the effect of H₂S on metal dusting of iron which has been studied by gas carburisation in CO‐H₂‐H₂O‐H₂S and CH₄‐H₂‐H₂S mixtures at 500 and 700°C. The presence of H₂S in carburising gas atmospheres leads to sulphur adsorption on the iron surface, which retards carbon transfer. Segregation experiments and surface analyses have shown that sulphur segregates (and thus adsorbs) on cementite surfaces as well as on iron surfaces. The adsorbed sulphur also suppresses graphite nucleation and thus can stop the reaction sequence of metal dusting. Experiments by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) have shown that the extent of retardation of metal dusting depends on temperature, carbon activity and H₂S content. The higher the carbon activity, the higher is the H₂S content required for suppression of metal dusting. At carbon activities a_C > a_C(Fe/Fe₃C) the metastable iron carbide, cementite (Fe₃C), occurs as an intermediate phase during metal dusting. Carburisation experiments in CO‐H₂‐H₂O‐H₂S mixtures at 500°C and X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD) of carburised samples have revealed that at very high carbon activities a second iron carbide, Hägg carbide (Fe₅C₂), forms on the cementite surface. Microstructural investigations have shown that both metastable carbides decompose during metal dusting. Metal dusting experiments on iron at 700°C have been performed in CH₄‐H₂‐H₂S gas mixtures. By adding 15 ppm H₂S to the CH₄‐H₂ atmosphere the onset of metal dusting can be retarded for more than 350 hours. By means of Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX) it was shown that coke contains graphite, cementite and iron particles with adsorbed sulphur.     

An ultrathin polymer coating of carboxylate self-assembled monolayer adsorbed on passivated iron to prevent iron corrosion in 0.1 M Na2SO4

For preparing an ultrathin two-dimensional polymer coating adsorbed on passivated iron, a 16-hydroxyhexadecanoate ion HO(CH₂)₁₅CO₂⁻ self-assembled monolayer (SAM) was modified with 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane (C₂H₅O)₃Si(CH₂)₂Si(OC₂H₅)₃ and octadecyltriethoxysilane C₁₈H₃₇Si(OC₂H₅)₃. Protection of passivated iron against passive film breakdown and corrosion of iron was investigated by monitoring of the open-circuit potential and repeated polarization measurements in an aerated 0.1 M Na₂SO₄ solution during immersion for many hours. The time required for passive film breakdown of the polymer-coated electrode was markedly higher in this solution than that of the passivated one, indicating protection of the passive film from breakdown by coverage with the polymer coating. The protective efficiencies of the passive film covered with the coating were extremely high, more than 99.9% in 0.1 M Na₂SO₄ before the passive film was broken down, showing prominent cooperative suppression of iron corrosion in the solution by coverage with the passive film and polymer coating. The polymer-coated surface was characterized by contact angle measurement and electron-probe microanalysis (EPMA). Prevention of passive film breakdown and iron corrosion for the polymer-coated electrode healed in 0.1 M NaNO₃ was also examined in 0.1 M Na₂SO₄.     

Corrosion behaviour of Y2O3-ZrO2 coatings on IN713LC in a LiCl-Li2O molten salt

Hot corrosion studies were performed on superalloy specimens. The IN713LC superalloy were sprayed with an aluminized NiCrAlY-bond coat and then with an yttria-zirconia top coat. The bare superalloy reveals an obvious weight loss due to spalling of the scales by the rapid scale growth and thermal stress. The top coatings showed a much better hot corrosion resistance in the presence of LiCl-3 wt.% Li₂O molten salt when compared with those of the bare superalloy and the aluminized bond coatings. These coatings have been found to be beneficial for increasing hot corrosion resistance of structural materials for lithium molten salts.     

Impact of oxyfuel atmospheres H2O/CO2/O2 and H2O/CO2 on the oxidation of ferritic–martensitic and austenitic steels

In future power plant technologies, oxyfuel, steels are subjected to steam rich and carbon dioxide rich combustion gases. The effect of simulated combustion gases H₂O/CO₂/O₂ (30/69/1 mol%) and H₂O/CO₂ (30/70 mol%) on the corrosion behavior of low alloyed steels, 9–12% chromium steels and an austenitic steel were studied. It was discovered that the formation of protective chromium rich oxides is hampered due to the carburization of the base material and the formation of chromium rich carbides. The kinetics of corrosion and carburization are quantified. The effect of temperature and the effect of gas pressure are analyzed statistically.     

Effect of gas composition on cementite decomposition and coke formation on iron

Cementite decomposition and coke formation in the metal dusting process of iron were investigated at 700 °C in CO-H₂-H₂O gas mixtures. The presence of graphite deposited on the surface initiates the decomposition of cementite into iron and graphite. The morphology of the reaction products varies with gas composition. For CO concentrations less than 5 vol%, particles of iron or even closed iron layers have been observed at the cementite/graphite interface. With increasing CO content the amount of iron in the interface decreases. At CO concentrations higher than 30 vol%, iron could not be detected at the interface by optical microscopy. Thermo-gravimetric analysis shows that the rate of carbon take-up increases with increasing CO concentration reaching a maximum at about 60-75 vol%.The morphologies of graphite in the coke layer can be identified as three types: porous graphite clusters with embedded iron-containing particles, compact bulk graphite with a uniform thickness and a columnar layered structure, and filamentous carbon with iron-containing phases at the tip or along its length. For gas mixtures with low CO concentrations, e.g. 5 vol%, porous graphite clusters are the main form of carbon although filamentous carbon can be seen at the early stage of reaction. With increasing CO concentrations to, e.g. 30 vol%, a compact bulk graphite is formed on the top of the surface. Under this compact graphite, there is an inner layer of graphite which is the combination of porous graphite clusters and filaments. These two layers of graphite are clearly distinguishable when CO content reaches more than 75 vol%. In this case, the main form of graphite in the inner layer is filamentous carbon. The compact graphite layer suffers a serious deformation and forms many cracks because of the growth of catalytic filamentous carbon underneath. These filaments grow outside from compact graphite crevices and finally cover the whole surface. The higher the CO content in the gas, the more the tendency of filamentous carbon formation. The interplay between morphologies of carbon formation and metal dusting has been discussed.     

Quantum chemistry study on the effect of Cl ion on anodic dissolution of iron in H2S-containing sulfuric acid solutions

The effect of Cl⁻ ion on the anodic dissolution of iron in H₂SO₄ solutions containing low H₂S level has been studied by electrochemical polarization curve measurements. The total energy and binding energy of the competitive adsorption for Cl⁻ and HS⁻ ions have been calculated with CNDO/2 method, as well as the net charge distribution of iron atoms at an anodic potential. The results showed that certain concentration of Cl⁻ ion inhibit the anodic reaction of iron accelerated by HS⁻. However, when Cl⁻ ion reached saturated adsorption, it began to promote the anodic reaction of iron due to the increased negative charge of iron atoms.