| Abstract: | Corrosion of joints for stainless steel tubes in water The most important commonly used joining techniques for stainless steel tubes which are used for the transport of water and gases are welding and brazing. With corrosion attack by dry gases, both connections are resistant against corrosion. However, in water and aqueous condensates limits of application exist with regard to the corrosion resistance. The corrosion resistance of weld connections with stainless steel tubes is diminished by - – annealing colours (oxide films) and scale layers in the weld area;
- – changes in the microstructure adjacent to the welds (sensitization of the stainless steel material);
- – surface finish of weld seams after welding;
- – welding faults resulting from bad handling and workmanship.
Type and extent of corrosion damage occurring on weld connections with decreased corrosion resistance depend on the composition of the water and condensates, mainly on their chloride content. Typical examples for the causes of degraded corrosion resistance of weld connections, and possible types of corrosion attack, namely pitting, crevice corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking and their mechanisms are described. Furthermore, measures are shown by which the corrosion resistance of weld connections with stainless steel tubes can be increased. Joints of stainless steel tubes by hard soldering with capillary fittings are endangered by knife line attack at the phase boundary between the stainless steel and solder (interfacial corrosion). Knife line attack means in this context the loss of adhesion between steel and hard solder. The severity of the corrosion risk, in particular the incubation time until the occurrence of the corrosion damage, depends on the water quality, mainly on chloride concentration, and pH. The press fitting with non-metallic gasket is a relatively new joining system, and it is used in the cold and warm water domestic installation. This joining technique is described. For domestic water distribution, an installation system with tubes and press fittings made of steel grade AISI 316 SS has been developed. This system is resistant to corrosion attack in potable water of usual composition, and it is already applied in-service in a considerable extent. Other joining systems are stainless steel weld fittings, threaded screw fittings, and compression couplings with cutting or clamping rings. They are used mainly in industrial installations. |
