Laboratory Evaluation of Corrosion Mitigation Strategies for Large, Once-Through Heat Exchangers

Corrosion in large oil coolers at U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve sites led to fouling and perforation of carbon steel cooling water tubes. Two mitigation strategies were studied in a laboratory simulation-the use of corrosion-resistant alloys (CRAs) for the tubing and the application of a corrosion inhibitor and anti-fouling package in the water. Data indicated the This article describes CRA alternative was more viable. the field conditions, laboratory simulation, data analysis, and conclusions drawn from the study.