11.

0 Chelant corrosion
Introduction

Chelant corrosion may also occur in feedwater distribution lines, in the economizer, on the ends
of downcomer tubes, and in regions of high heat flux in water-cooled tubes. Copper and copper-
alloy impellers of feedwater pumps may also corrode if exposed to chelating agents. Corrosion
by phosphates is an on-going problem in phosphate-treated boilers, especially as pressures have
increased. Sodium phosphate is used to buffer boiler water pH. Congruent control with
phosphates was introduced to prevent the formation of free caustic, but the phosphate
compounds have interacted with deposits and corrosion products and precipitated within
deposits. A combination of phosphate/chelant/polymer is often used when the chelant is of a
sufficient level to react with the majority of the feed water scale forming agents and the
phosphate precipitates the remaining calcium salts. The phosphate, also, provides a simple test
for product feed control.

Mechanism

Chelant corrosion results in localized attack under deposits, producing gouges, grooves or
depressions similar to those resulting from caustic. Hideout is associated with increased pH in
the boiler water, so high-pH related corrosion may be reported even though the conditions within
the deposits may be acidic. Thus, chelant corrosion is frequently confused with caustic attack.

Prevention

For preventing chelant corrosion some specific measures can be taken which include.

Special care needs to be taken when chelant is used in dirty boilers.

Elimination of hot spots, hot spots are usually formed due to improper boiler operations.
Reducing turbulent flow and severity can also reduce the chelant corrosion
Maintain equilibrium phosphate control.