Corrosion analysis of a heat‐exchanger in epichlorophydrin production process

The failure of E230 heat‐exchanger in the production of epichlorophydrin (ECH) form dichloropropanol (DCP) was analyzed and material solutions are recommended. The analysis indicates that the combined effect of stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and dissolution of HCl and HClO in the DCP mixture solution in the E230 heat‐exchanger chamber to the tube surface and chamber wall contributes to the failure of heat‐exchanger tubes and the perforation of E230 heat‐exchanger chamber. It is recommended to reduce the content of Cl^– in the DCP mixture solution and to increase its pH. Titanium, Type 316L stainless steel (SS), and electroless Ni‐P coating can be considered as the candidate materials. Also, the process can be divided into two series step with one step heating the temperature from 30°C to 60°C, and the other step heating the temperature from 60°C to 90°C. For the lower temperature step, the Type 316L SS or electroless Ni‐P coating can be used. For the higher temperature step, Titanium can be applied. Periodic cleaning of the tube surface and chamber inner surface deposit is necessary. Intensifying the in‐service inspection and monitoring is also required.