Effect of Li/MgO methane coupling catalyst on alonized steel reactors

Alonized 316 stainless steel reactors were used in life tests of a Li/MgO methane coupling catalyst. Severe corrosion of the portion of the reactor in contact with the catalyst bed was observed. Loss of physical integrity and chemical passivity resulted from layer formations of differing elemental compositions from the bulk metal. Chromium was leached from the stainless steel alloy and deposited on the catalyst. There were no adverse changes in those portions of the reactor not in direct contact with the catalyst. These results demonstrate that Alonized 316 stainless steel is unsuitable for use in methane coupling service with this lithium-containing catalyst.