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HIGH TEMPERATURE CORROSION OF STEELS USED IN PETROLEUM REFINERY HEATERS A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES OF MIDDLE EAST TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY BY ABDELRAHMAN SULTAN IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN METALLURGICAL AND MATERIALS ENGINEERING JULY 2005

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Page 1: HIGH TEMPERATURE CORROSION OF STEELS USED IN

HIGH TEMPERATURE CORROSION OF STEELS USED

IN PETROLEUM REFINERY HEATERS

A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES

OF MIDDLE EAST TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY

BY

ABDELRAHMAN SULTAN

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR

THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN

METALLURGICAL AND MATERIALS ENGINEERING

JULY 2005

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Approval of the Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences

_____________________ Prof. Dr. Canan Özgen

Director I certify that this thesis satisfies all the requirements as a thesis for the degree of Master of Science.

_____________________ Prof. Dr. Tayfur Öztürk Head of Department This is to certify that we have read this thesis and that in our opinion it is fully adequate, in scope and quality, as a thesis for the degree of Master of Science.

___________________________ Prof. Dr. İshak Karakaya

Supervisor Examining Committee Members Prof. Dr. M. Timuçin (METU, METE ) _____________________ Prof. Dr. İ. Karakaya (METU, METE ) _____________________ Prof. Dr. Y. Topkaya (METU, METE ) _____________________ Assoc. Prof. Dr. K. Aydınol (METU, METE ) _____________________ Asst. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Übeyli (TOBB, ETU.) _____________________

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I hereby declare that all information in this document has been obtained and

presented in accordance with academic rules and ethical conduct. I also declare that,

as required by these rules and conduct, I have fully cited and referenced all material

and results that are not original to this work.

Name, Last name: Abdelrahman Sultan

Signature:

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ABSTRACT

HIGH TEMPERATURE CORROSION OF STEELS USED IN PETROLEUM

REFINERY HEATERS

Sultan, Abdelrahman

M.S., Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering

Supervisor: Prof. Dr. İshak Karakaya

July 2005, 60 pages

The oxidation of three different steels used in the construction of petroleum refinery

heaters was investigated by using thermogravimetric analysis technique (TGA). C-5,

P-11, and P-22 steel samples were tested in two different oxidizing environments; air

and CO2+N2+H2O (that simulates the combustion products of natural gas) at two

different temperatures; 450oC and 500oC. In air oxidation P-22 had the best oxidation

resistance among the three steels at two temperatures. In CO2+N2+H2O environment,

C-5 possessed better oxidation resistance than P-22 and P-11. Analyses of oxidation

products by using optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning

electron microscopy (SEM) were carried out to correlate TGA results to oxide

composition and morphology. Lower oxidation rate of P-22 in air was explained with

reference to the formation of Cr-O phase. Analytical rate equations showed that all

the steels obeyed parabolic rate equation during oxidation and no transition was

observed.

Keywords: High temperature, corrosion, petroleum refinery heaters,

thermogravimetric analysis, oxidation, kinetics

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v

ÖZ

PETROL RAFİNERİ ISITICILARINDA KULLANILAN ÇELİKLERİN

YÜKSEK SICAKLIK KOROZYONU

Sultan, Abdelrahman

M.S., Metalurji ve Malzeme Mühendisliği Bölümü

Danışman: Prof. Dr. İshak Karakaya

Temmuz 2005, 60 Sayfa

Termogravimetrik analiz (TGA) yöntemi kullanılarak, petrol rafinerileri ısıtıcılarının

yapımında kullanılan üç değişik çeliğin oksitlenmesi incelenmiştir. C-5, P-11, ve P-

22 çelik örnekler iki değişik oksitleyici ortamda; hava ve CO2+N2+H2O karışımı

(doğal gaz yanma ürünlerine benzer) ve iki değişik sıcaklıkta; 450oC and 500oC test

edildi. Havada oksitlenmede P-22 üç çelik arasında iki sıcaklıkta en yüksek

oksitlenme direnci gösterdi. CO2+N2+H2O ortamında C-5, P-22 ve P-11’den daha iyi

oksitlenme direnci gösterdi. TGA sonuçlarını oksit kompozisyonu ve morfolojisi ile

ilişkilendirebilmek için, oksitlenme ürünleri optik mikroskop, X-ışını kırınımı (XRD)

ve tarama elektron mikroskobu kullanılarak analiz edildi. P-22 çeliğinin havada

düşük oksitlenme hızı, Cr-O fazının oluşumuna bağlanarak açıklandı. Analitik hız

denklemleri, bütün çeliklerin oksitlenme sırasında parabolik hız denklemine

uyduklarını ve hiçbir geçiş olmadığını gösterdi.

Anahtar kelimeler: Yüksek sıcaklık, korozyon, petrol rafineri ısıtıcısı,

termogravimetrik analiz, oksitlenme, kinetik

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To my parents,

who always support me in all aspects of my life

to my wife

for her patience in my study

to my children

Taha, Ala, Saleh, Mohammed

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Firstly, and mostly, I thank the almighty ALLAH for his mercy and grace, which

enabled me to complete this work.

Secondly, I would like to express my sincerest thanks to Prof. Dr. İshak

KARAKAYA for his guidance, support and valuable contributions throughout the

preparations for this thesis.

I express my deepest gratitude to my parents, my mother Saeida and my father Saleh

for their encouragements throughout my education life, and to my wife and children

for their patience during my study.

The Libyan secretariat of higher education is highly appreciated for its financial

support during my study period.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PLAGIARISM……………………………………………………………..………. iii

ABSTRACT ………………………………………………………….…………...iv

ÖZ………………………………….……………………………….……….…..……...…..v

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ……………..……………………………………….vii

TABLE OF CONTENTS…………………………...……………...……………...viii

LIST OF FIGURES……………………………………………………………….....x

LIST OF TABLES.................................................................................................... xii

CHAPTER

1. INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................1

2. OXIDATION..................................................................................................5

2.1. Introduction...............................................................................................5

2.2. Oxidation Thermodynamics............................................................... ......6

2.3. Oxide Properties and Oxidation......................................................... ......8

2.4. Oxidation of Iron and Fe-C Alloys .................................................... ......9

2.4.1. Oxidation of Pure Iron ................................................................. ......9

2.4.2. Oxidation of Fe-C Alloys............................................................. ....12

2.4.2.1. Effect of Alloying elements on Oxidation of Iron

and Fe-C steels……………………………………………….. 12

2.4.2.2. Effect of Atmosphere on the Oxidation of Iron

and Fe-C steels ………………...……………………………..14

2.4.2.3. Other factors can affect the Oxidation of Iron

and Fe-C alloys ……………………………...……………….17

2.5. Oxidation kinetics……………………………...………………………18

2.6. High Temperature Oxidation Testing………………………………….21

2.6.1. Gravimetric Method ......................................................................21

3. EXPERIMENTAL ........................................................................................24

3.1. Introduction ............................................................................................24

3.2. Material ..................................................................................................24

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3.3. Sample preparation ................................................................................25

3.4. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) .....................................................26

3.5. Identification of Oxidation Products ......................................................29

4. RESULTS ........................................................................................................31

4.1. Introduction ............................................................................................31

4.2. Oxidation in air …....................................................................................31

4.3. Oxidation in CO2+N2+H2O ....................................................................33

4.4. Effect of oxidizing atmosphere ..............................................................35

4.5. Analysis of Oxidation Products .............................................................40

5. TREATMENT OF DATA AND DISCUSSION .........................................48

5.1. Introduction ............................................................................................48

5.2. Kinetics of Oxidation .............................................................................48

5.3. Thermodynamic Consideration ..............................................................53

5.4. Microscopic and Other Consideration ..........................................….....54

6. CONCLUSIONS ...........................................................................................55

REFERENCES ..................................................................................................57

APPENDIX A ..............................................................................................…..61

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LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURES

1. Schematic cross section of a horizontal furnace used at Kırıkkale petroleum

refinery plant…………………….………………………………………………3

2.1. Iron-oxygen phase diagram at 1 atm ..................................................................10

2.2. Mechanism of the oxidation of iron in atmosphers containing H2O and CO2

as suggested by Rahmel and Tobolski……………………………………........16

2.3. Oxidation film growth curves for linear, parabolic, and logarithmic

rate equation……………………………………………………………………20

2.4. Schematic of experimental arrangement for use with an automatic

recording balance............................................................................…………...22

3.1. Schematic draw of the samples sets……………………………………………25

3.2. Schematic representation of setup for air oxidation test ....................................28

4.1. Oxidation of the three steels in air at 450oC .....................................................32

4.2. Oxidation of the three steels in air at 500oC .....................................................33

4.3. Oxidation of the three steels in CO2+N2+H2O at 450oC……………………….34

4.4. Oxidation of the three steels in CO2+N2+H2O at 500oC……………………….35

4.5. Oxidation of C-5 steel in air and CO2+N2+H2O at 450oC……………………..36

4.6. Oxidation of C-5 steel in air and CO2+N2+H2O at 500oC……………………..36

4.7. Oxidation of P-22 steel in air and CO2+N2+H2O at 450oC…………………….37

4.8. Oxidation of P-22 steel in air and CO2+N2+H2O at 500oC…………………….38

4.9. Oxidation of P-11 steel in air and CO2+N2+H2O at 450oC…………………….39

4.10. Oxidation of P-11 steel in air and CO2+N2+H2O at 500oC…………………...39

4.11. X-ray of P-11 oxidized in CO2+N2+H2O at 450oC …………………..………..41

4.12. X-ray of C-5 oxidized in air at 450oC ………………………..………………41

4.13. X-ray of P-22 oxidized in air at 500oC …..……………….…………………...42

4.14. X-ray of P-22 oxidized in CO2+N2+H2O at 500oC …………………………..42

4.15. Optical Photograph Of C-5 steel oxidized at 500oC

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in CO2+N2+H2O ……………………………………………………………..43

4.16. Optical Photograph Of P-22 steel oxidized at 500oC

in CO2+N2+H2O ……………………………………………………………..44

4.17. Optical Photograph Of P-11 steel oxidized at 500oC

in CO2+N2+H2O ……………………………………………………………..44

4.18. Optical Photograph Of C-5 steel oxidized at 450oC in air……………………45

4.19. SEM micrograph of C-5 steel oxidized in CO2+N2+H2O at 500oC…………..45

4.20. SEM micrograph of P-22 steel oxidized in air at 500oC…………………..….46

4.21. SEM micrograph of P-11 steel oxidized in CO2+N2+H2O at 500oC ..……… 46

4.22. SEM micrograph of P-22 steel oxidized in CO2+N2+H2O at 500oC ……..… 47

4.23. SEM micrograph of P-22 steel oxidized in CO2+N2+H2O at 450oC ………...47

5.1. First 3 hours oxidation data for P-11 steel oxidized

in air at 500oC………………………………………………………………….49

5.2. First 3 hours oxidation data for P-22 steel oxidized

in CO2+N2+H2O at 500oC……………………………..……………………….49

5.3. First 3 hours oxidation data for C-5 steel oxidized

in CO2+N2+H2O at 500oC……………………………………………………...50

5.4. Plot of log (y) vs. log (t) for all steels oxidized in air at 450oC ……………….51

5.5. Plot of log (y) vs. log (t) for all steels oxidized

in CO2+N2+H2O at 450oC……………………………………………………...51

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LIST OF TABLES

TABLE

3.1. Chemical Composition of Steels………………………………..……………...24

3.2. Gas flow rates used in CO2+N2+H2O environment at 450oC and 500oC ……..27

4.1. Weight gain after 35-hour oxidation period in air and CO2+N2+H2O

gas mixture at the two temperatures………………………………….………..40

5.1. Numerical values of k and n at 450oC................................................................52

5.2. Numerical values of k and n at 500oC................................................................52

A.1. Fe2O3 fractions for the oxidized steels ……………………………..…..……..61

A.2. Results of penteration depth calculation for air oxidation ................................62

A.3. Results of penteration depth calculation for CO2+N2+H2O oxidation .............63

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CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Corrosion is defined as the destruction or deterioration of a material because of

reaction with its environment. It has been classified in many different ways: One

method divides corrosion to low-temperature and high-temperature corrosion.

Another separates corrosion into direct combination (oxidation) and electrochemical

corrosion. And some classifies corrosion to wet corrosion and dry corrosion. Wet

corrosion occurs when a liquid is present. This usually involves aqueous solutions or

electrolytes and accounts for the largest amount of corrosion by far. A common

example is corrosion of steel by water. Dry corrosion is most often associated with

high temperatures. An example is attack on steel by furnace gases.

High temperature corrosion plays an important role in the selection of construction

materials of industrial equipments. The corrosion forms that can be considered as

high temperature corrosion are: oxidation, sulfidation, halogen corrosion,

carburization, metal dusting, etc. Industries like chemical processing, refining and

petrochemical industries, automotive, ceramic, pulp and paper, fossil fuel power

generation, coal gasification, etc are faced with high temperature corrosion.

Environments are frequently classified in terms of oxygen activity, as either

“oxidizing or reducing’’. An oxidizing atmosphere is an environment that contains

molecular oxygen (O2), such as air or a combustion atmosphere with excess “free’’

oxygen. Oxygen activity in this case is very high and is controlled by the

concentration of molecular oxygen. A reducing atmosphere is generally produced by

combustion under stoichiomentric or substoichiomentric conditions (combustion

products are generally comprised of CO2, CO, H2O, H2, and products of impurities

coming from fuel and/or feedstock, such as H2S) with no excess oxygen. The

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oxygen activity is very low in this case and is controlled by CO/CO2 or H2/H2O. The

reducing environment is generally more corrosive for many corrosion modes, such

as sulfidation, carburization, nitridation, and ash/salt deposit corrosion.

Oxidation is the most important high temperature corrosion reaction. In most

industrial environments, oxidation often participates in the high temperature

corrosion reaction, regardless of the predominant mode of corrosion. In fact, alloys

often relay upon the oxidation reaction to develop a protective oxide scale to resist

corrosion attack such as sulfidation, carburization, and ash/salt deposit corrosion.

During service in high temperature plants, tubing, piping, and other steel

components are exposed to corrosive environments; as a result, their service lifetime

may be limited by creep, fatigue or oxidation. Traditionally materials designed for

use at high temperature have been developed primarily for their mechanical

properties, but there is now a growing realization that oxidation may limit lifetime,

either directly through metal wastage or indirectly through raising local temperatures

(and consequently reducing creep-controlled lifetimes) due to the lower thermal

conductivity of the oxide scale.

The petroleum refining industry converts crude oil into more than 2500 refined

products, including liquefied petroleum gas, gasoline, kerosene, aviation fuel, diesel

fuel, fuel oils, lubricating oils, and feedstocks for the petrochemical industry. The

petroleum refining industry employs a wide variety of processes. The arrangement

of these processes will vary among refineries according to the composition of the

crude oil feedstock and the chosen state of petroleum products.

Heaters (furnaces) are used extensively in refineries to supply the heat necessary to

raise the temperature of feed materials to reaction or distillation level. They are

designed to raise petroleum fluid temperatures to a maximum of about 510°C

(950°F). The fuel burned may be refinery gas, natural gas, residual fuel oils, or

combinations, depending on economics, operating conditions, and emission

requirements. Heaters may be vertical or horizontal furnaces. Figure 1 shows

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schematic cross section of a horizontal furnace used at Kırıkkale petroleum refinery

plant.

Figure 1 Schematic cross section of a horizontal furnace used at Kırıkkale

petroleum refinery plant.

In this study the oxidation of three different steels (C-5, P-11 and P-22) used in the

construction of Kırıkkale petroleum refinery heaters was investigated by using

thermogravimetric analysis technique. Two different environments; air and gas

mixture that simulate the combustion product of natural gas, and two different

temperatures (450oC and 500oC) were employed. Experiments involved continuous

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recording of the weight change of the oxidized specimen as a function of time. By

using X-ray analysis, optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) the oxidation

products were studied to check and support the findings of thermogravimetric

analysis results.

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CHAPTER 2

OXIDATION

2. 1 Introduction

With the exception of gold, no pure metal (including platinum) is stable in air at

room temperature. When a metal is exposed at room temperature or elevated

temperatures to an oxidizing gas (e.g. oxygen, sulfur or halogens), corrosion may

occur in absence of a liquid electrolyte. This sometimes called ‘’dry’’ corrosion

where a solid reaction-product film or scale (a scale is a thick film) forms on the

metal surfaces. The exposure of a metal to gaseous oxygen results in the formation

of an oxide as:

baOMObaM →+ 22 (2.1)

When a clean metal surface is exposed to oxygen, it is oxidized following the

sequence; (1) adsorption of oxygen on the metal surface, (2) formation of oxide

nuclei and (3) growth of a continuous oxide film. Oxide film frequently constitutes

protective layers, which separate the metal from the gaseous oxygen, thereby,

inhibiting further oxide formation. If the oxide film covering the metal surface is

tightly coherent in the sense that the film is free of cracks and macroscopic pores,

then additional chemical reaction usually requires diffusion of metal or oxygen

through the oxide layer. The rate of chemical reaction in such cases is time

dependent, being rapid in the early stages but decreasing markedly as the thickness

of the oxide layer increases.

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2. 2 Oxidation Thermodynamics

Thermodynamically, an oxide is likely to form on a metal surface when the oxygen

potential in the environment is greater than the oxygen partial pressure in

equilibrium with the oxide. The equilibrium oxygen partial pressure can be

determined from the standard Gibbs energy of formation of the oxide. Consider the

reaction:

22 MOOM ⇔+ (2.2)

⎟⎟⎠

⎞⎜⎜⎝

⎛−=∆

2

2

.ln..

OM

MOo

Paa

TRG (2.3)

Assuming the activities of the metal and the oxide are unity, eq. (2.3) becomes:

2

ln.. Oo PTRG =∆ (2.4)

Then:

( )RTGO

o

eP ∆=2

(2.5)

When the environment is ‘‘reducing’’ (i.e., the environment contains no measurable

molecular oxygen, such as the one generated by stoichiometric or substoichiometric

combustion), the oxygen potential is controlled by OHH PP22

/ and/or 2

/ COCO PP . The

oxygen potential can be determined by the reaction:

OHOH 222 22 ⇔+ (2.6)

The standard Gibbs energy of formation is related to the partial pressures of

hydrogen, oxygen, and water vapor as:

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⎟⎟⎠

⎞⎜⎜⎝

⎛−=∆

22

2

.ln.. 2

2

OH

OHo

PPP

TRG (2.7)

Rearranging the eq.2.7 results in:

( )

( )222

2

OHH

RTG

O PPeP

o∆

= (2.8)

Thus the oxygen partial pressures at various temperatures can be determined as a

function of OHH PP22

.

The equilibrium reaction for an environment whose oxygen potential is controlled

by2COCO PP is:

22 22 COOCO ⇔+ (2.9)

The corresponding oxygen potential is:

( )222 COCO

RToG

PPe

Op⎟⎠⎞⎜

⎝⎛ ∆

= (2.10)

The Gibbs energy change of the system as determined from 2OP of the environment

is the driving force of the reaction. When the initial pressure of oxygen corresponds

to the partial pressure of oxygen as represented in the equilibrium constant, there is

no driving force for the reaction, and the oxide and metal is then equally stable. If

the pressure is lowered below this value the oxide will dissociate. If several oxides

are formed on a metal, e.g. Fe2O3, Fe3O4, FeO, each one will dissociate at different

pressures and the oxide that is richer in oxygen will usually dissociate to an oxide

containing less oxygen not to a metal directly. Thermodynamically the oxide will be

formed only if the ambient oxygen pressure is larger than the equilibrium value.

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2.3 Oxide Properties and Oxidation

Electron donation and acceptance occur in several types of chemical bonding during

oxidation. Metal oxides, sulfides, etc. exhibit ionic bonding. Every oxide has a

definite crystallographic structure in which anions and cations are distributed at

different specific sites. Oxides are composed of grains like metals. An oxide can

crystallize, exhibit grain growth and at high temperatures it may deform plastically.

Metal oxides are commonly in the class of semiconductors; this means their

conductivity lies between insulators and metallic conductors. Conductivity increases

with a slight shift from stoichiometric proportions of metal and oxygen and with an

increase of temperature. There are two types of semiconducting oxides; p-type and

n-type (p means positive carrier and n negative carrier). Cu2O, NiO, FeO, Cr2O3, and

Fe3O4 are examples for p-type oxides and this type shift of stoichiometric

proportions takes the form of a certain number of missing metal ions in the oxide

lattice called cation vacancies. At the same time, to maintain the electrical neutrality,

an equivalent number of positive holes form (sites where electrons are missing). For

n-type oxides, excess of metal ions exist in interstitial positions of the oxide lattice.

These metal ions migrate with the electrons during the oxidation to the outer oxide

surface. Examples of n-type oxides are: ZnO, CdO, TiO2, Al2O3, and Fe2O3.

The oxidation rate of an alloy will be minimized if the oxide film has a combination

of properties that include [1]:

1. The film should have good adherence, to prevent flaking and spalling.

2. The melting point of the oxide should be high.

3. The oxide should have low vapor pressure to resist evaporation.

4. The oxide film and metal should have very close thermal expansion

coefficients.

5. The film should have high temperature plasticity to accommodate differences

in specific volumes of oxide and parent metal and differences in thermal

expansion.

6. The film should have low electrical conductivity and low diffusion

coefficients for metal ions and oxygen.

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2. 4 Oxidation of Iron and Iron alloys

In many industrial applications, the oxidation in atmospheres containing free

oxygen, carbon dioxide, water vapor and nitrogen takes place. The oxidation

behavior of steel in ambient air differs significantly from that in a mixed –gas

atmospheres [2]. Commercial steels usually contain impurity elements, in addition

to intentional alloying elements. Each of the elements present in the steel may

behave differently from iron. Generally the existence of chromium, aluminum, and

silicon, which are less noble than iron, provides a certain level of oxidation

resistance for steel, but the protective effect becomes insignificant if their levels are

very low [3]. Residual elements, such as copper, nickel, and tin those are more noble

than iron, are usually accumulated at the scale-substrate interface [4] and have little

effect on the steel oxidation behavior. High carbon steels may suffer from

decarburization during oxidation [5].

2.4.1 Oxidation of pure iron

Numerous studies have been conducted to examine the high-temperature oxidation

behavior of pure iron in air or oxygen [6 - 8]. The reactions between the iron and

oxygen are exothermic in nature and, as a result, an over temperature phenomenon is

present during the initial oxidation stage, because the heat generated by the rapid

initial reactions cannot be quickly conducted away when small samples are used [9,

10]. Despite the rapid initial reactions, the longer–term oxidation rate under

isothermal-oxidation conditions is quite steady and usually follows the parabolic rate

law.

As shown in Fig.2.1, oxidation of iron is complicated by formation of as many as

three distinct layers of iron oxides; Wüstite (FeO): very defective p-type

semiconductor which is only stable above 570oC, Magnetite (Fe3O4): a p-type

semiconductor oxide which has a much lower conductivity than wüstite. It has a

spinel structure and sometimes it is represented as FeOFe2O3, and Hematite (Fe2O3):

n-type oxide with anion defects has two structures: α, which has a rhombohedral

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structure, and γ, which has a spinel structure similar to Fe3O4 with which it forms a

limited solid solution. The proportions of these layers change as the temperature or

oxygen partial pressure changes.

Figure 2.1 Iron-oxygen phase diagram at 1 atm [11]

Davies et al. [12] studied the oxidation of iron at temperature range of 700 to

1250oC and they found that the scale developed comprises an extremely thin

outermost hematite layer, a thin intermediate magnetite layer, and a thick inner

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wüstite layer. This portion of oxide phases reflects the fact that the diffusion

coefficient of iron in wüstite is much greater than in magnetite and that the diffusion

of oxygen and iron through the hematite layer is extremely slow [13].

In the same study Davies et al., concluded that the higher oxides (Fe3O4 and Fe2O3)

did not form a considerable portion of the scale at temperatures above about 625oC

[12]. In another study, Paidassi et al. [14] examined the oxidation behavior of iron at

470 to 625oC in air and found that at 604oC, wüstite formed readily on the iron

surface, whereas, at 585oC, wüstite did not form for up to 24 hours. Cablan et al.

[15] found that at temperatures below 570oC, the wüstite is thermodynamically

unstable, and the scale is reported to comprise two layers of oxides, namely an outer

hematite layer and an inner magnetite layer. The wüstite formed at high temperature

is actually expressed as Fe1-xO, which implies an iron–deficient crystal structure.

The value of x increases with the distance from the scale/base metal interface.

Normally wüstite contains 5-16% of such defects. Below 570oC, it will decompose

as follows:

4Fe1-x O → Fe3O4 + (1-4x) α-Fe (2-11)

Chaudron et al. [16] reported that the optimum temperature to attain the maximum

decomposition rate is 470oC, while that reported by Fisher et al. [17] is 400oC. This

difference, of course comes from different oxidation and decomposition

atmosphere[11].

Goswami et al. [18] showed that a TEM analysis of oxide scale formed on thin films

of iron revealed that the oxidation of iron in air at 350 to 450oC proceeded in the

following stages:

Fe → Fe3O4 → α-Fe2O3 (2-12)

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2.4.2 Oxidation of carbon steel and Fe-C alloys

Carbon is the most important alloying element in carbon steels and its level in steels

depends on the required mechanical properties [2]. The main effect of carbon on the

oxidation rates is to make them more erratic. Carbon diffuses to the scale/base metal

interface and reacts with iron oxide to evolve CO gas and develop a gap. In high

carbon steels at high temperatures, the gas pressure in the gaps cause gross cracking

so that the atmosphere gains access to the core and the oxidation rate is increased

[11]. For example, Boggs et al. [19] found that the oxidation rate of Fe-C alloy in 10

torr O2 at 500oC increased when its carbon content increased from 0.0 to 0.99 wt %.

Caplan et al. [20] also found that Fe-0.5 wt % C and Fe-1.0 wt % C alloys oxidized

faster than Fe-0.1 wt % C alloy in oxygen at 1 atm pressure at 500oC. On the other

hand, the oxidation rates of Fe-0.5 wt % C and Fe-1.0 wt % C alloys in 1 atm

oxygen at 700oC were slower than that of pure iron [21]. Malik et al. [22] also found

that Fe-C alloys with 0.1 to 1.2 wt % C oxidized slower than pure iron in 1 atm

oxygen at 600 to 850oC. Lower oxidation rates for Fe-C alloys were explained [21]

with reference to residual graphite left at the scale/base metal interface. Residual

graphite causes poor contact between the scale and the base metal, hinders the

transport of iron or oxygen ions, and hence reduces the oxidation rate.

2.4.2.1 Effect of alloying elements on oxidation of iron and iron alloy steels

The alloying elements are added to the steel not only for strengthening, but also for

modifying other properties including the oxidation behavior. Addition of aluminum

to iron reduces the oxidation rate through the formation of an aluminum-rich layer at

the scale/base metal interface and the retardation of iron ion diffusion. The exact

nature of such aluminum-rich layer appears to vary with aluminum content of the

steel, the temperature, and the oxidizing atmosphere. Saequsa et al. [23] studied the

effect of temperature on the oxidation of Fe-1wt % Al alloy in 1 atm O2. He found

that the aluminum-rich layer was probably Al2O3 after the oxidation at 500 to 700oC,

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whereas, such layer was FeAl2O4 spinel after the oxidation in the same atmosphere

at 700 –900oC.

Lower oxidation rates of Fe-Si alloys arise from prefenctial formation of silicon-

rich layer at the scale/base metal interface due to its less noble behavior than iron.

Dilute Fe-Si alloys were subject to internal oxidation [24] and complex scales were

found. A SiO2–rich layer apparently formed with alloys containing 2-3 wt % Si or

more [25] and this transition from internal to external SiO2 formation might result in

a markedly reduced oxidation rate. The slower oxidation rate was probably due to

the lower diffusion rate of silicon through the oxide layers and the hindered iron ion

diffusion through the SiO2 layer.

The major protection action of chromium is due to the formation of chromium-

containing layer at the scale/base metal interface. Wood et al. [26] reported that the

additions of 0.16 to 0.2 wt % of Cr to iron increased the initial oxidation rate in

oxygen at 1000oC. This is probably because Cr3+ ions increased the number of cation

vacancies in the major phase FeO. However, the oxidation rate was reduced

subsequently due to the suppression of FeO formation by the presence of chromium,

as a result of formation of more protective Fe3O4 and Fe2O3. The oxidation rate was

reduced progressively by addition of chromium greater than 1.25 wt %. If the

chromium content in the steel is sufficiently high, the formation of wüstite is

prevented above 570oC [27]. Hammar et al. [28] found that additions of less than 2

wt % Cr suppressed the oxidation properties of iron in oxygen at 625 and 675oC,

while at 500 and 575oC such effect was very little. It was explained that below

570oC if the oxidized iron contains only small amounts of chromium, it would be

dissolved as Cr+3 in the magnetite phase, the ions occupying octahedral sites. There

will, therefore, be no difference in the vacancy concentration in the oxide phase due

to the chromium ions.

In contrast to the foregoing alloying elements (Al, Si, and Cr), nickel is more noble

than iron. Consequently, the iron matrix of nickel steel is selectively oxidized and

nickel is rejected at the oxide/base metal interface [29]. Since the diffusion

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coefficient of nickel in iron is low, nickel does not diffuse rapidly back into the core

results in the concentration of nickel at interface becomes higher than in the core.

Even in relatively dilute Fe-Ni alloys, the nickel concentration just ahead of this

interface can be very high. This selective oxidation of iron and concentration of

nickel in a thin layer results in interpenetration of the oxide and metal at the

interface and produces a tight mechanical oxide-metal bond and substantially

increased oxidation resistance.

The resistance of iron to oxidation between 500 and 900oC was shown to be

increased upon the presence of small amounts of phosphorus (<0.5 Wt %), while at

1000oC a destructive effect was found [30,31].

With the exception of certain free-cutting steels with high sulphur contents, sulphur

at the levels normally present in steel has no significant effect alone [32]. The effect

of sulphur (0.006-0.5 wt %) on the oxidation properties of iron was also to be very

slight [33].

Manganese is another important element in carbon steels; however, very little

attention has been focused on the effect of manganese on steel oxidation.

Molybdenum is more noble than iron and seems to behave like copper. Inokuchi et

al. [34] reported that addition of 0.013 wt % of Mo to silicon steel produced a

smooth surface and good oxidation resistance due to molybdenum concentrated near

the surface and/or due to the fine molybdenum sulphide particles preventing grain

boundary cracking.

2.4.2.2 Effect of atmosphere on the oxidation of iron and iron alloy steels

The atmosphere for high temperature oxidation of steels usually consists of

combustion products, such as N2, H2O, CO2, CO, H2, SO2, etc in proportions that

depend on the air to fuel ratio, the composition of the fuel, and the temperature of

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the gas next to the steel. Nitrogen is inert and its principal effect on the oxidation is

dilution of other effective gaseous species only [11]. H2O and CO2 are oxidizing

gases and they react with iron as follows:

( ) 2432 , HOFeFeOOHFe +→+ (2-14)

( ) COOFeFeOCOFe +→+ 432 , (2-15)

On the contrary, H2 and CO are reducing gases and may reduce oxides according to:

( ) OHFeHOFeFeO 2243, +→+ (2-16)

( ) 243, COFeCOOFeFeO +→+ (2-17)

In high temperature oxidation the outward movement of iron ions from the metal

through the scale to the reaction site often induces gaps at the scale/base metal

interface. When the oxidation occurs in pure oxygen or in dry mixtures of oxygen

and inert gases; the rate decreases because of the throttling action of the gaps upon

the flux of iron ions through the scale. However, if sufficient water vapor or CO2 is

present in the atmosphere, the oxidation rate is maintained in spite of the gaps in the

scale. The most probable explanation of the effect of H2O and CO2 is that these

compounds transport oxygen across the gaps from the inner surface of the scale to

the metal surface, where it dissociates. The oxygen ions released by the dissociation

are adsorbed on the metal surface and react to form new scale.

adsorbedOHOH +→ 22 (2-18)

or

adsorbedOCOCO +→2 (2-19)

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The hydrogen or carbon monoxide released by the dissociation migrates out to the

inner surface of the scale. Here H2 or CO reduces iron oxide according the following

reaction:

−+ ++→+ eOHFeHFeO 22

22 (2-20)

or

−+ ++→+ eCOFeFeOCO 22

2 (2-21)

H2O or CO2 is returned to the atmosphere in the gap to repeat the cycle. The iron

ions produced by the reaction diffuse by means of lattice defects in the scale towards

the scale/gas interface, site of the primary oxidation reaction. A schematic

representation of the mechanism as suggested by Rahmel and Tobolski [35] is

shown in Figure 2.2.

Figure 2.2 Mechanism of the oxidation of iron in atmospheres containing H2O and

CO2 as suggested by Rahmel and Tobolski [35]

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Presence of sulphur dioxide in oxidizing gas environments tends to increase the

oxidation rate. The main mechanism appears to be the formation of a liquid phase

such as FeS in the scale and enhanced ionic transport through the scale. However, in

the amounts normally present in industrial applications its effect is marginal. In

oxidizing atmospheres increasing the air to fuel ratio dilutes the SO2 and minimizes

its effect on the scale.

2.4.2.3 Other factors can affect the oxidation of Fe and its alloys

There are some experimental variables known to affect, sometimes markedly, the

oxidation or scaling of Fe and its alloys. These include (a) the gas flow rate (b)

surface preparation (c) pre-treatment (d) the temperature [36]. The investigation of

the effect of the flow rate of the oxidizing atmosphere has produced surprisingly

wide differences in the results. Some authors have found that the oxidation rate

increases with increase in gas flow rate up to a critical velocity and thereafter no

further increase in the oxidation rate occurs [37,38]. Other workers have observed a

peak in the oxidation rate vs. gas velocity, the peak shifting to higher gas velocities

with increasing temperature. Still other workers have observed no change in

oxidation rate with increase in gas flow rate [39].

Several workers have been concerned with the effects of surface finish (and cold

work), specimen shape and pre-oxidative treatments on oxidation behavior [40, 41,

42]. Such work has been primarily concerned with specimens that have received the

same preparation treatment upon all faces and edges. It is known that radically

different oxidation rates are possible with specimens finished in different ways.

Surface finish has a long-term effect on oxidation behavior that extended beyond the

time of oxidation of the deformed (or cold-worked) layer, which, for a fine surface

finish, extended only 5µ below the original metal surface [43]. It should also be

borne in mind that stress relieving and recrystallization of such deformed layers will

occur within a short time at 700oC or higher temperatures and therefore only a small

portion of the initial cold-work layer should remain to have any effect.

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2.5 Oxidation Kinetics

The mechanism in which a pure metal or alloy is oxidized at elevated temperatures

can be thought of as series of stepwise processes broken down as follows:

1- Chemisorption of a gaseous component.

2- Dissociation and electron transfer by the gaseous molecule.

3- Nucleation and crystal growth.

4- Diffusion and transport of cations, anions, and electrons through the scale.

The reported kinetics data for steel oxidation in air and oxygen are spares, with most

being derived from oxidation of low-carbon steel. The measurements of the

oxidation rate will show the slowest step, which will be the controlling step. The

most important parameter of metal oxidation from an engineering viewpoint is the

reaction rate. Reaction rates and corresponding rate equations for the oxidation of

metals are function of a number of factors such as temperature, oxygen partial

pressure, elapsed time of reaction, surface preparation, and pretreatment of the

metal. It has been established that the chemical reaction rate constant and the

diffusion coefficient increases exponentially with temperature. For this reason, it

may be expected that oxidation rate will also vary exponentially with temperature.

Temperature dependence of oxidation rate constants (k) at constant ambient oxygen

pressure obeys an Arhenius-type equation,

⎟⎠⎞

⎜⎝⎛ ∆−

=TREkk o .

exp. (2.22)

Where:

∆E: activation energy (J/mole)

R: gas constant

0k : constant (independent of temperature)

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Since the oxide reaction product is generally retained on the metal surface, the rate

of oxidation is usually measured and expressed as weight per unit area. Empirical

rate laws sometimes observed during oxidation of various metals under different

conditions are illustrated in Figure 2.3. They usually are given as a plot of weight

gain per unit area versus time. The simplest empirical relationship is the linear law,

tkW t .= (2.23)

Where W is weight gain per unit area, t is time, and kt is the linear rate constant.

Linear oxidation is characteristic of metals for which a porous or cracked scale is

formed so that the scale does not represent a diffusion barrier between the two

reactants.

In 1933, C. Wagner showed that the ideal ionic diffusion-controlled oxidation of

pure metals should follow a parabolic oxidation rate law [44],

ctkW p += .2 (2.24)

Where kp is the parabolic rate constant, and c is a constant. The form of the

parabolic oxidation equation is typical of non-steady-state diffusion-controlled

reactions. The logarithmic empirical reaction rate law,

( )AtckW e += .log. (2.25)

Where: ek , c, and A are constants. Logarithmic oxidation behavior is generally

observed with the thin oxide layers (e.g., less than 1000Ao) at low temperatures.

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Figure 2.3 oxidation film growth curves for linear, parabolic, and logarithmic rate

equation [44].

In some cases it may be found that the oxidation is initially parabolic and then the

reaction gradually becomes linear. This situation may arise if a compact scale

growing at a parabolic rate transforms at a linear rate to an outer porous and non-

protective oxide layer. This combination between parabolic and linear oxidation

called paralinear oxidation [45]. After long periods the oxidation becomes

essentially linear, and the concurrently the inner layer approaches a stationary

thickness; that is, it grows at the same rate at which it is consumed by the linear

depletion.

Sachs et al., [46] compared the oxidation kinetics of mild steel (equivalent to SAE-

AISI 1006) with those of pure iron in different atmospheres (including air and

oxygen) at 700 to 1100oC. It was found that the oxidation kinetics followed the

parabolic law and, in general, the oxidation rates of mild steel were lower than those

of pure iron in either air or oxygen. Raman et al. [47] found that the oxidation

kinetics, for steels that have similar compositions followed the parabolic law in air at

730 to 935oC for 60 minutes and at 1050oC for 30 minutes.

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Abuluwefa et al. [48] studied the effect of oxygen level in O2-N2 mixture (1-15 %

O2) on the oxidation of similar steels (containing Fe-0.4% C-0.2% Mn-0.02% Si) at

1000 to 1250oC and found that the oxygen level significantly affected the initial

oxidation rates, but had no effect on the subsequent parabolic oxidation rates.

2.6 High Temperature Oxidation Testing

Most of the scientific theories on high-temperature corrosion have been developed

through laboratory study. Laboratory testing has also contributed significantly to the

wealth of corrosion data that allows engineers to make informed material selections

for various processing equipment. There are, however, several drawbacks. A

laboratory test cannot simulate exactly the operating environment and the conditions

of a processing system. Another drawback is the relatively short test duration

compared to the equipment’s design life. Extrapolation becomes necessary to make

materials behavior predictions. One major problem with extrapolation is the

unpredictability of breakaway corrosion. In many cases, metals and alloys rely on

the formation of protective scales (mostly oxide scales) to resist high temperature

corrosion attack. Although it is generally understood that the protective scale may

eventually break down, leading to breakaway corrosion, it is not currently possible

to predict the onset of breakaway corrosion. Thus laboratory tests are often

conducted under accelerated conditions (e.g., higher temperatures and/or more

corrosive environments) in order to increase the confidence level for the selected

alloy. The accelerated test is also frequently used for initial alloy screening to

narrow down the viable candidates for long term tests and/or field trials. Extreme

care should be taken if the results of short-term tests and/or accelerated tests are

used for life extrapolation.

2.6.1 Gravimetric Method

The gravimetric method is widely used to study oxidation and other forms of high

temperature corrosion. This test method involves measuring the specimen’s weight

as a function of time. Test apparatus that continuously monitors the specimen’s

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weight during testing with a recording balance is very popular in academia for

conducting oxidation studies. Figure 2.4 shows a schematic of experimental

arrangement for use with an automatic recording balance. Continuous monitoring is

possible of the oxidation of a sample suspended from a recording balance in the

reaction chamber within a furnace. Oxidation in air can be measured easily using a

laboratory balance with a hole in the bottom through which the suspension wire is

directed. For corrosion in defined gas mixtures, closed systems are necessary and

microbalances are available which also can be used under vacuum conditions [49].

Figure 2.4 Schematic of experimental arrangement for use with an automatic recording balance [50].

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The major advantage of a gravimetric apparatus with an automatic recording balance

is the continuous record of the reaction kinetics. The disadvantage is that only one

sample can be tested each time, so generating comparative data for a number

candidate alloys is a lengthy process. Therefore, the method is not suitable for

generating an engineering database [50].

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CHAPTER 3

EXPERIMENTAL PROCERURE

3.1 Introduction

Continuous thermogravimetry is a common method to test materials in gaseous

corrosive environments at high temperatures and to elucidate kinetics and

mechanisms of high temperature corrosion. So thermogravimetric technique was

used in this research to study high temperature corrosion of steels used in the

construction of petroleum refineries heaters. Effects of oxidizing atmosphere and

temperature changes were studied. Oxidation products were analysed by using X-

ray, optical and scanning electron microscopes to correlate weight change data to the

nature of oxidation products.

3.2 Material

In this study, three different steels (C-5, P-11 and P-22) with different chemical

compositions (see Table 3.1) were used in oxidation experiments. These steels are

used in the construction of petroleum refineries heaters. These steels were delivered

by Kırıkkale petroleum refinery plant in tubular form. They were cut and machined

to obtain flat and thin steel pieces used to prepare the specimens.

Table 3.1 Chemical compositions of steels

Steel ASTM C% Mn% P% S% Si% Cr% Mo%

C-5 A 106 0.25 0.65 0.047 0.055 0.11 -- --

P-11 A 335 0.15 0.45 0.03 0.03 0.77 1.25 0.57

P-22 A 335 0.15 0.47 0.03 0.03 0.45 2.25 1.0

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3.3 Sample Preparation

The samples were divided into two sets as seen in Figure 3.1. One of the sets was

large with dimensions of 50 mm x 25 mm x 2 mm to provide an accurate

experimental data. The other set was smaller, with 10 mm x 10 mm x 2 mm

dimensions, to be used for microscopic and X-ray analysis. Each large sample

contained two holes with 3 mm diameter at two ends. The one at the top was used to

suspend the sample from the electrobalance and the other at the bottom was used to

suspend the small sample, which also had a hole with 3 mm diameter. The edges of

the samples were rounded to avoid effects of corners and edges. Quartz hooks were

used to suspend the both samples.

Figure 3.1 Schematic draw of the samples sets.

The steel samples were ground by using SiC papers. The following grades were used

during grinding; starting from 120, 220, 320, 400 and 600 grades. Samples were

cleaned ultrasonically and degreased with alcohol to remove SiC and steel particles

left from grinding. Grinding without polishing is recommended in high temperature

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corrosion studies. This provides a surface that favors nucleation of oxides and lead

to dense adherent scales. Accurate measurements of dimensions of both samples

were done by using a micrometer. Measured dimensions were used to obtain total

surface area of samples.

3.4 Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)

Thermogravimetric analysis was preformed on CAHN C-1000 electrobalance. The

balance was consisted of weighing and control units. The weighing unit is the unit

that detects the actual weight. While the control unit converts the weight to an

electrical signal (voltage) output. The test sample was suspended from the weighing

unit by means of a quartz hook. The output signal of the control unit was connected

to a computer via a data acquisition unit to record the weight change data on a

digital computer. With these two units the weight was zeroed by mechanical and

electronic taring at the beginning of each experiment. Suspended sample stayed in

the middle of a Pyrex reaction tube in the hot zone of the furnace. The reaction tube

had 5 cm diameter and 80 cm length and it was extended out of a vertical split

furnace from both ends. Upper end was connected to a hole, where suspension hook

was provided, at the bottom of the weighing unit. Lower end was open to the

atmosphere. Figure 3.2 shows a schematic representation of setup for air

oxidation[51].

The heat necessary for high temperatures was supplied by a LINDBERG

LHTF322C split type cylindrical furnace. It was connected to a Eurotherm

temperature controller. The desired temperature (±1oC) for the oxidation reaction

was achieved by adjusting the temperature controller.

Oxidation of the three different steels was performed at 450oC and 500oC in two

different atmospheres of air and (CO2+2H2O+7.52N2) mixture. The total flow rate of

the oxidizing gases during the oxidation tests was controlled at room temperature as

895 cc/min for 450oC and 837 cc/min for 500oC. Above flow rates are equivalent to

120 cm/min gas velocity in the reaction chamber. In the case of experiments

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involving oxidation by air, above flow rates were delivered into the reaction

chamber by means of an air pump from the upper part (balance).

For experiments with CO2+2H2O+7.52N2 mixture, CO2 and N2 gases (with technical

grade) were used to prepare given gas composition. Both CO2 and N2 gases were

supplied from cylinders. Flowmeters were used to measure the flow rates of these

gases. To obtain the desired water vapor concentration in the gas phase, part of N2

gas was passed through water in a constant temperature bath. The temperature of the

bath at which it should be kept in order to get the desired water partial pressure for

the TGA tests was determined experimentally as 61oC for 450oC tests and 60oC for

500oC tests. H2O+N2 mixture was delivered into the reaction tube directly from the

side of the tube. Remaining gases were sent from the upper part. In this way, upward

movement of H2O+N2 mixture was minimized. To eliminate the condensation of the

water vapor outside the reaction tube, glass piping carrying H2O+N2 mixture was

covered by a heating tape. Table 3.2 gives the distribution and amounts of gases

used in the oxidation in CO2 +2H2O+7.52N2 environment at 450oC and 500oC.

Table 3.2 Gas flow rates used in CO2+N2+H2O environment at 450oC and 500oC

N2 CO2 H2O Flow rate

(cm3/min) U L T U L T U L T

450oC 136.2 570.8 707 62.7 - 62.7 - 125.2 125.2

500oC 127.4 533.9 661.3 58.6 - 58.6 - 117.2 117.2 U: upper side, L: lower side, T: total

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The reaction tube, including the balance part, was flushed through N2 gas during

heating up the furnace. This provided an inert atmosphere before reaching the

reaction temperature. After reaching the reaction temperature and before starting the

experiment, sufficient volume of reaction gases was supplied through the reaction

chamber for about 5 minutes. This was to fill in the apparatus with desired gas

composition quickly. This eliminated a small weight change of the sample due to

density differences of gases. Then, flow rates of gases are maintained at above levels

during the course of each experiment.

Weight change of suspended samples subjected to oxidation was recorded by PC-

LD 711 analog-to-digital (A/D) converter used with a computer to collect data. A 10

milligram recording range (with an accuracy of 0.1% of recording range), which

could be expanded up to 50 milligrams, was used in this study. Over all accuracy

was ± 0.2 mg. A computer program was used to collect data for every 2 minutes.

Each run was lasted for about 35 hours and then the supply of oxidizing gases was

cut. A continuous flow of N2 gas was maintained through the reaction tube until the

system cooled down. After the furnace was cooled, the samples were taken out from

the furnace and kept in desiccators for subsequent analysis of oxidation products.

3.5 Identification of Oxidation Products

X-ray, optical and electron microscope were used for phase identification and

structural investigation of the oxidation products. The 10 mm x 10 mm x 2 mm

specimens were mounted in bakelite. Mounting was done in such a way to have

cross section of the oxide film perpendicular to the specimen surface. They were

ground on SiC papers going from grade 120 to grade 600. They were then

investigated under OLYMPUS optical microscope. The same samples were

examined by scanning electron microscope (JEOL JSM 6400).

X-ray diffraction (XRD) was done by using Rigaku D/MAX2200/PC with Cu Kα

target, λ=1.54056 Ao. Since the depth of oxide scales were very small to be removed

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mechanically and ground to powder, the large specimens themselves were used for

XRD analysis by placing the largest surface against the diffraction beam. The

quantative X-ray diffraction analyses was not considered because the relative

intensities of the oxide phases may not reprsent the true relative intensities since

oxide scales formed on the metal surface might have preferred orientation of the

metal grains. Furthermore, diffractions from the metal under oxide films may

interfere with intensities of diffractions coming from oxide layers.

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CHAPTER 4

RESULTS

4.1 Introduction

Figures 4.1 through 4.4 show the thermogravimetric test results of the three steels at

450oC and 500oC in two different oxidizing atmospheres. The results are represented

as plots of weight gain per unit surface area in (mg/cm2) vs. time in (hr). The data

was drawn for a period of 35 hours as point for every one hour to clearly show the

oxidation behavior of the steels.

4.2 Oxidation in Air

Thermogravimetric test results at 450oC and 500oC are shown in Figure 4.1 and

Figure 4.2, respectively. From these figures, steels with increasing weight gain, can

be ranked as: P-22, C-5 and P-11 at both temperatures. At the end of 35-hour

oxidation period, steels; P-22, C-5 and P-11 gained 0.197, 0.312, and 0.47 mg/cm2

of weight respectively at 450oC. Whereas, P-22, C-5, and P-11 gained 0.44, 0.554,

and 0.725 mg/cm2 of weight respectively at 500oC.

The effect of temperature on the oxidation behavior of steels can be noticed by

comparing the curves for all samples in Figures 4.1 and 4.2. The oxidation rates for

tests done at 500oC were higher than those done at 450oC and this was expected

since the oxidation was controlled by the diffusion of ions, which is faster at higher

temperatures.

Although there is no definite correlation on the effect of chemical composition on

oxidation rates, a qualitative comparison can be done with reference to Table 3.1.

From the table, it can be seen that oxidation rates decreased with increasing

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chromium and molybdenum contents for P-11 and P-22 steels. Lower oxidation

rates, relative to P-11 steel, were obtained for C-5 that has higher carbon and

manganese contents and lower silicon content.

0

0,1

0,2

0,3

0,4

0,5

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

time(hr)

g.w

.(mg/

cm2 )

P-22P-11C-5

Figure 4.1 Oxidation of the three steels at 450oC in air.

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0

0,1

0,2

0,3

0,4

0,5

0,6

0,7

0,8

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

time(hr)

g.w

.(mg/

cm2 )

P-22P-11C-5

Figure 4.2 Oxidation of the three steels at 500oC in air.

4.3 Oxidation in CO2+N2+H2O Atmosphere

The thermogravimetric test results of oxidation of the three steels in CO2+N2+H2O

environment at two different temperatures are shown in Figures 4.3 and 4.4. In this

environment, C-5 steel has the lowest weight gain of 0.377 mg/cm2 at 450oC and

0.879 mg/cm2 at 500oC, then come P-22 with 0.467 mg/cm2 at 450oC and 0.927

mg/cm2 at 500oC and P-11 has the highest weight gain at both temperatures after a

35-hour oxidation period with 0.66 mg/cm2 at 450oC and 1.147 mg/cm2 at 500oC.

By looking at the two figures the effect of temperature on the oxidation behavior of

the steels can be noticed. As expected all the steels were oxidized more at the higher

temperature.

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Comparison of Figures 4.3 and 4.4 with Table 3.1 does not indicate any definite

correlation on the effect of chemical composition on oxidation rates. From the table,

it can be seen that oxidation rates decreased with increasing chromium and

molybdenum contents for P-11 and P-22 steels. The lowest oxidation rates were

obtained for C-5 that has the highest carbon and manganese contents and the lowest

silicon content.

00,10,20,30,40,50,60,7

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

time(hr)

g.w

.(mg/

cm2 )

P-22P-11C-5

Figure 4.3 Oxidation of the three steels in CO2+N2+H2O at 450oC

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00,20,40,60,8

11,21,4

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

time(hr)

g.w

.(mg/

cm2 )

P-22P-11C-5

Figure 4.4 Oxidation of the three steels in CO2+N2+H2O at 500oC

4.4 Effect of Oxidizing Atmospher

The oxidation behavior of C-5 steel in the two oxidizing environments at two

temperatures is illustrated in Figures 4.5 and 4.6. C-5 steel has lower weight gain in

air than in CO2+N2+H2O atmosphere, where it gained 0.312 and 0.554 mg/cm2 in 35

hours at 450oC and 500oC respectively in air. It gained 0.377 mg/cm2 at 450oC and

0.879 mg/cm2 at 500oC in CO2+N2+H2O within 35 hours period.

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00,050,1

0,150,2

0,250,3

0,350,4

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

time(hr)

g.w

.(mg/

cm2 )

Figure 4.5 Oxidation of C-5 steel in air (diamonds) and in CO2+N2+H2O environment (Triangles) at 450oC

0

0,2

0,4

0,6

0,8

1

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

time(hr)

g.w

.(mg/

cm2 )

Figure 4.6 Oxidation of C-5 steel in air (diamonds) and in CO2+N2+H2O environment (Triangles) at 500oC

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Oxidation behavior of P-22 steel at 450oC in the two atmospheres can be seen in

Figure 4.7. The more oxidizing atmosphere was CO2+N2+H2O mixture. The

recorded weight gain was 0.467 mg/cm2 in this environment in 35-hours oxidation

period. On the other hand, it gained only 0.197 mg/cm2 in air.

The oxidation behavior of the same steel at 500oC in the same atmospheres is shown

in Figure 4.8. CO2+N2+H2O was again more oxidizing atmosphere. The weight gain

in this atmosphere (0.927 mg/cm2) was about two times that in air ( 0.44 mg/cm2 )

in 35 hours.

00,05

0,10,15

0,20,25

0,30,35

0,40,45

0,5

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

time(hr)

g.w

.(mg/

cm2 )

Figure 4.7 Oxidation of P-22 steel in air (diamonds) and in CO2+N2+H2O environment (Triangles) at 450oC

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0

0,2

0,4

0,6

0,8

1

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35time(hr)

g.w

.(mg/

cm2 )

Figure 4.8 Oxidation of P-22 steel in air (diamonds) and in CO2+N2+H2O environment (Triangles) at 500oC

The oxidation behavior of P-11 steel in the two oxidizing environments at 450oC is

shown in Figure 4.9. Similar to the other two steels P-11 steel has got lower weight

gain in air than in CO2+N2+H2O atmosphere. It gained 0.47 mg/cm2 in air and 0.66

mg/cm2 in CO2+N2+H2O mixture in 35 hours. With 1.147 mg/cm2 weight gain in

CO2+N2+H2O and 0.725 mg/cm2 in air at 500oC (see Figure 4.10), CO2+N2+H2O

environment can be considered as more corrosive one for this steel also.

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0

0,1

0,2

0,3

0,4

0,5

0,6

0,7

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

time(hr)

g.w

.(mg/

cm2 )

Figure 4.9 Oxidation of P-11 steel in air (diamonds) and in CO2+N2+H2O environment (Triangles) at 450oC

0

0,2

0,4

0,6

0,8

1

1,2

1,4

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

time(hr)

g.w

.(mg/

cm2 )

Figure 4.10 Oxidation of P-11 steel in air (diamonds) and in CO2+N2+H2O environment (Triangles) at 500oC

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To summarize above findings Table 4.1 was prepared. It shows the amount of

weight gained for all steels in (mg/cm2) in both environments at the two

temperatures.

Table 4.1 Weight gain after 35-hour oxidation period in air and in CO2+N2+H2O gas mixture at the two temperatures

Weight gained in air for 35 hr

in (mg/cm2)

Weight gained in CO2+N2+H2O

for 35 hr in (mg/cm2) Steel

450oC 500oC 450oC 500oC

C-5 0.312 0.554 0.377 0.879

P-22 0.197 0.440 0.467 0.927

P-11 0.470 0.725 0.660 1.147

4.5 Analysis of Oxidation Products

X-ray diffraction and microscopic analysis were performed on the oxidation

products to identify the nature of each product on the oxidized steel surface. Figures

4.11- 4.14 show X-ray diffraction patterns. The selected samples of these X-ray

diffraction patterns are for the three steels used in this study. They are selected to

give effects of temperature and corrosive gas environments. X-ray diffraction studies

for the other samples were also done. They are not shown here because they yielded

very similar diffractions to those given above. As it can be seen from above figures,

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most of the samples show Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 as oxide phases. In addition to above

oxides, P-22 steel revealed the presence of a Cr-O phase. Fe peaks and Fe-Cr peaks

are belived to be coming from steel samples under oxide films.

02000400060008000

100001200014000

20 30 40 50 60 70 80 902theta(deg.)

Inte

nsity

(a.u

)

Fe2O3

Fe3O4

Fe

Figure 4.11 X-ray diffraction pattern of P-11 oxidized in CO2+N2+H2O at 450oC

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

2theta (deg.)

Inte

nsity

(a.u

.)

Fe2O3Fe3O4Fe

Figure 4.12 X-ray diffraction pattern of C-5 oxidized in air at 450oC

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0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000

20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

2 theta (deg.)

inte

nsity

(a.u

.)

Fe2O3

Fe-CrCr-O

Figure 4.13 X-ray diffraction pattern of P-22 oxidized in air at 500oC

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

30000

20 30 40 50 60 70 80 902theta (deg.)

Inte

nsity

(a.u

)

Fe2O3

Fe3O4

Fe

Figure 4.14 X-ray diffraction pattern of P-22 oxidized in CO2+N2+H2O at 500oC

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Photographs from optical microscope for selected specimens of P-11 and C-5 are

shown in Figures 4.15 through 4.18. Fe3O4 and Fe2O3 phases can be distinguished in

these photographs, due to darker color tone of Fe3O4 relative to Fe2O3. Examination

of these photos showed that Fe2O3 was the thin outer layer of the scale at the

gas/oxide interface and Fe3O4 was the inner layer at the metal/oxide interface.

Optical photographs are used to calculate approximate relative thicknesses of oxide

phases. Relative thickness values are used in the calculation of the approximate

weight of metal loss as given in Appendix A.

Figure 4.15 Optical photograph of C-5 steel oxidized at 500oC in CO2+N2+H2O (2000x)

Bakelite

Oxide

Steel

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Figure 4.16 Optical photograph of P-22 steel oxidized at 500oC in CO2+N2+H2O (2000x)

Figure 4.17 Optical photograph of P-11 steel oxidized at 450oC in CO2+N2+H2O (2000x)

Steel Bakelite

Oxide

Steel

Bakelite

Oxide

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Figure 4.18 Optical photograph of P-11 steel oxidized at 450oC in air (2000x)

SEM analysis was performed on the oxidized samples to get information about the

morphology of the oxides formed. Micrographs of selected samples are given in

Figures 4.19- 4.23.

Figure 4.19 SEM micrograph of C-5 steel oxidized in CO2+N2+H2O at 500oC

Steel

Bakelite

Oxide

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Figure 4.20 SEM micrograph of P-22 steel oxidized in air at 500oC

Figure 4.21 SEM micrograph of P-11 steel oxidized in CO2+N2+H2O at 450oC

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Figure 4.22 SEM micrograph of P-22 steel oxidized in CO2+N2+H2O at 500oC

Figure 4.23 SEM micrograph of P-22 steel oxidized in CO2+N2+H2O at 450oC

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CHAPTER 5

TREATMENT OF DATA AND DISCUSSION

5.1 Introduction

In this section kinetic models proposed for oxidation reaction will be used to

correlate the numerical data obtained from thermogravimetric tests. In addition,

oxidation mechanisms, constitution and morphology of oxidation products will be

discussed with reference to thermodynamic, microscopic and other considerations.

5.2 Kinetics of Oxidation

The oxidation behavior of the steels in the initial period cannot be seen clearly from

the graphs presented in chapter 4, because each point in those figures corresponds to

1-hour period. In order to show the details of oxidation data for the first 3 hours for

the selected three samples, figures are repeated here (Figures 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3 ). Each

point in these figures (indicated as “exp.” in figures) corresponds to 2 minutes

oxidation period. The lines are representing values calculated by parabolic rate

equation (indicated as “model.” in figures).

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00,020,040,060,08

0,10,120,140,16

0 50 100 150 200

time(min)

g.w

.(mg/

cm2 )

modelexp.

Figure 5.1 The first 3 hours oxidation data for P-11 steel oxidized

in air at 500oC

0

0,05

0,1

0,15

0,2

0,25

0 50 100 150 200time(min)

g.w

.(mg/

cm2 )

exp.model

Figure 5.2 The first 3 hours oxidation data for P-22 steel oxidized in CCOO22++NN22++HH22OO at 500oC

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0

0,05

0,1

0,15

0 50 100 150 200

time(min)

g.w

.(mg/

cm2 )

exp.model

Figure 5.3 The first 3 hours oxidation data for C-5 steel oxidized in CCOO22++NN22++HH22OO at 500oC

From these figures, it can be seen that all steels have similar kinetic behavior in both

environments. In other words, all steels seem to follow parabolic forms during

oxidation and no transition in the kinetic can be observed.

Figures 5.4 and 5.5 are the representations of log (y) vs. log (t) graphs of Figures 4.1

and 4.4 respectively, where (y) is the gained weight per unit surface area in

(mg/cm2) and (t) time in hours. Above representation resulted in straight lines with

values of (R2) squares of the associated correlation coefficients above 0.97 for all

data obtained in this study. This indicates that the oxidation kinetics of all steels

studied in given environments follow the equation:

ntky *= ( 5.1)

where (k) is the rate constant, (n) is the exponent of time in the rate law.

Table 5.1 shows the numerical values of k and n for all the cases at 450oC, and

Table 5.2 at 500oC. The smooth curves presented in Figures 5.1-5.3 represent the

plot of equation 5.1 with the corrosponding values of k and n for each steel.

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-1,8

-1,6

-1,4

-1,2

-1

-0,8

-0,6

-0,4

-0,2

00 0,5 1 1,5

log (t)

log

(y) P-22

P-11C-5

Figure 5.4 Plot of log (y) vs. log (t) for all steels oxidized

in air at 450oC

-0,8

-0,7

-0,6

-0,5

-0,4

-0,3

-0,2

-0,1

0

0,10 0,5 1 1,5

log (t)

log

(y) P-22

P-11C-5

Figure 5.5 Plot of log y vs. log t for all steels oxidized in CO2+N2+H2O at 500oC

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Table 5.1 Numerical values of k and n at 450oC

Air CO2+N2+H2O Steel

k n k n

P-22 0.027 0.559 0.127 0.366

P-11 0.087 0.512 0.147 0.386

C-5 0.057 0.478 0.077 0.448

Table 5.2 Numerical values of k and n at 500oC

Air CO2+N2+H2O Steel

k n k n

P-22 0.056 0.582 0.192 0.443

P-11 0.078 0.599 0.252 0.375

C-5 0.096 0.523 0.156 0.415

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5.3 Thermodynamic Consideration

During the oxidation in air the first formed oxide was Fe2O3 according to the

following reaction:

322232 OFeOFe →+ (6.1)

This was shown by equilibrium computations [51]. And then Fe3O4 is formed at the

Fe2O3/Fe interface according the following reaction:

4332 34 OFeFeOFe →+ (6.2)

Futher oxidation of Fe3O4 to Fe2O3 takes place at Fe2O3/Fe3O4 interface as result of

the following reaction:

32243 3212 OFeOOFe →+ (6.3)

Continued growth of Fe3O4 film takes place by the diffusion of Fe to Fe2O3/Fe3O4

interface due to reaction 6.2.

In the case of P-22 steel oxidized in air, X-ray diffraction of oxidized surface did not

revealed the presence of Fe3O4 instead, it showed the presence of Cr-O phase. The

presence of Cr-O attributed to the reduction of diffusion of Fe. As a result less

Fe3O4 formation according to reaction 6.2 and lower corrosion rate was observed in

this study.

On the other hand, when steels are exposed to CO2 containing environments Fe3O4

was formed immediately on the steel surface as stated by Rahmel and Tobolski [35]

according to the following reaction:

COOFeCOFe 443 432 +→+ (6.4)

This was also shown by the equilibrium computations[51].

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Formation of Fe2O3 layer on steel samples exposed to CO2 containing environments

takes place as a result of oxidation of Fe3O4 by CO2 according to:

COOFeCOOFe +→+ 32243 32 (6.5)

Growth of Fe3O4 layer continues as a result of reaction 6.2 at Fe3O4/Fe2O3 as well as

Fe/Fe3O4 interfaces.

5.4 Microscopic and Other Considerations

From the thermogravimetric results it was observed that the oxidation rate decreased

as the oxide formed became thicker. This can be explained as the result of longer

path, which the ions follow. Since the oxidation is controlled by the diffusion of

ions, longer diffusion path slows down the oxidation process.

Examination of the SEM micrographs for the steels those had the lowest weight gain

in both environments, C-5 in CO2+N2+H2O and P-22 in air (Figures 4.19 and 4.20)

indicated that the scales formed were less porous than the others. This could explain

why these steels had a better oxidation resistance. From micrographs given in

Figures 4.21, 4.22 and 4.23 it can be seen that the scales formed in CO2+N2+H2O

oxidation environment generally contained cracks and voids. The reason for that

may be the accumulation of the gases formed (CO and H2) during the oxidation. As

the gas pressure build up inside the scale, the gas mixture could try to escape from

the scale and cause cracking of the scales. Therefore, these cracks act like channels

for the oxidant gases to penetrate easier and expedite oxidation.

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CHAPTER 6

CONCLUSIONS

From the thermogravimetric oxidation tests and the microstructural examinations the

main conclusions can be cited as follows:

1. In air oxidation, P-22 had the best oxidation resistance among the three steels

at two temperatures. Lower oxidation rate of P-22 in air was explained with

reference to the formation of Cr-O phase.

2. In CO2+N2+H2O environment, C-5 possessed better oxidation resistance than

P-22 and P-11. Higher oxidation rate of P-22 in CO2+N2+H2O environment

was attributed to the absence of Cr-O phase to retard diffusion process.

3. Oxidation rate increased with increasing temperature from 450oC to 500oC.

4. In both oxidation environments, thermogravimetric results showed that the

oxidation rate decreased as the oxide scale became thicker. This is due to the

increase in diffusion paths of ions responsible for oxidation.

5. Although the oxygen potential was higher in air, the oxidation rate was

higher in CO2+N2+H2O atmosphere. This was due to formation of gaps at the

metal/oxide interface and channels within the oxide phase that promoted

oxidation.

6. It was observed that all steels oxidized according to a parabolic equation in

all oxidation tests.

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7. Since the oxide layers formed were very thin, only approximate information

was obtained for relative thicknesses of oxide layers.

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REFERENCES

[1] Deny A.Jones Mancmillan, Principles and Prevention of Corrosion, New York,(1992).

[2] R.Y. Chen and W.Y.D. Yuen, Oxidation of Metals, 59, Nos. 5/6, June (2003).

[3] V.B.Ginzburg, Steel –Rolling Technology: Theory and Practice (Marcel Dekker, NewYork), (1989).

[4] H.J. grabke, V. Leroy, and Viefhaus, ISIJ Inter. 35,95 (1995).

[5] J. Kucera, M. Hajduga, J. Glowacki, and P. Broz, Z. Metall. 90, 514, (1999).

[6] R. J. Hussey, G. I. Sproul, D..Caplan, and M. J. Graham, Oxid. Met.11,65 (1977).

[7] N. Birk and G.H Meier, Introduction to High Temperature Oxidation of Metals (Edward Arnold, London), (1983).

[8] O Kubaschewski and B. E. Hopkins, Oxidation of Metals and Alloys (Butterworths,London),(1962).

[9] D. Caplan, J. Electrochem. Soc. 107,359 (1960).

[10] N.G. Schmahl, H. Baumann, and H. Schenck, Arch. Eisenhüttenwes. 29, 41 (1958).

[11] Yao-Nan Chang, J. Mate. Sci. 24,14-22 (1989).

[12] M.H Davies, M.T.Simand, and C.E.Birchenall,Trans.AIME , 193,1250 (1953).

[13] L. Himmel, R.Fmehl, and C.E.Birchenall,Trans.AIME 5,827 (1953)

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[14] J.Paidassi, Acta. Metall. 6,184 (1958).

[15] D. Caplan and M. Cohen, Corros. Sci. 3,139 (1966).

[16] G. Chaudron and H. Forestier, Acad. Sci 178, 217 (1924).

[17] W.A Fisher,A.Hoffmann, and R.Shimada, Arch.Eisenh. 27, 521 (1956).

[18] A.Goswami, Indian J. Chem. 3, 385 (1965).

[19] W.E. Boggs and R.H. Kachik, J. Electrochem. Soc. 116, 424, (1969).

[20] D. Caplan, G. I. Speoule, R.J Hussey and M.J. Graham, Oxid. Met. 12 (1978).

[21] Idem, ibid, 13, 225 (1973).

[22] A.U. Malik and D.P. Whittle, Oxid. Met., 16, 339 (1981).

[23] F. Saequsa and L. Lee, Corrosion 22, 168 (1966).

[24] J.A Von Fraunhofer and G. A . Pickup, Anti-Corros. 17,10 (1970).

[25] L S Darken, Trans. AİME 150,157 (1942).

[26] G. C. Wood, İ. Wright, T. Hodgkiess, D. P. Whittle, Wekstoffe Korrosion, 21, 900 (1970).

[27] D.Mortimer and W.B. A. Sharp, Brit. Corros. J. 3, 61 (1968).

[28] B.Hammar and N.G. Vannerberg, Scand. J. Metall. 3,123 (1974).

[29] G.G. Brown, K.G.Wold, JISI, 207, 1457 (1969).

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[30] N.G.Vannerberg and I.Svedung , Corros. Sci.11, 915 (1971).

[31] I. Svedung and N.G. Vannerberg. Scand. J. Metall. 1, 141 (1972).

[32] T. Smith, Steel times 210, 339(1982).

[33] B. Hammar and N.G. Vannerberg, ibid, 3, 173 (1974).

[34] Y. Inkuchi and Y. Ito. Bull., Jpn. Inst. Met. 23, 276 (1984).

[35] A. Rahmel and J.Toboski, Corros. Sci. 5, 333 (1965).

[36] J. A. Von Fraunhofer, and G. A. Pickup, Corros. Sci. 253, 10 (1970).

[37] C.W. Tuck and D.W. Wown, J. Iron Steel Ins. 205, 972 (1967).

[38] C. Upthegrove and D. W. Murphy, ibid. 21, 73 (1933).

[39] W. J.Tomilson and S. Catchpole, Corros. Sci. 8, 845 (1968).

[40] D. Caplan and M. Cohen, Corros. Sci. 7, 725 (1967).

[41] K.G. Eubanks, D. G. Moore and W.A. Pennington, J. Electrochem. Soc. 109,382 (1962).

[42] J. Romanski, Corros. Sci. 8, 67 (1968).

[43] L. E. Samuels, J. Aust. Inst. Metals,151 (1964).

[44] Mars G. Fontana, Corrosion Engineering, McGraw-HILL, International Edition, 3rd edition (1987).

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[45] P. Kofstad, High-Temperature Oxidation of Metals, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1966.

[46] K . Sachs and C.W. Tuck,Werkst. Korros. 11, 945 (1970).

[47] R.K. Singh Raman. Gleeson, and D. J. Young, Proc.13th Inter. Corros. Co , Australia, (1996), paper 297.

[48] H. Abuluwefa, R. I. L. Guthrie, and F. Ajersch, Oxid. Met. 46, 423 (1996).

[49] H. J. Grabke, Werkstoffe und Korrosion, 44, 345 (1993).

[50] George Y. Lai, Ph.D., High-Temperature Corrosion of Engineering Alloys, High Temperature Alloys Haynes International, Inc. Kokomo, Indiana (1990).

[51] Atik İ., High Temperature Corrosion of Boiler Plant Flues, M.Sc. thesis, Middle East Technical University, Ankara (1998).

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APPENDIX A

The steels may also be compared by calculating the weight of metal lost during the

test period (depth of penteration). The relative amounts of oxides were calculated

from the optical photographs and Fe2O3 fractions were tabulated in table A.1.

Table A.1 Fe2O3 fractions for the oxidized steels

Fe2O3 fraction

in air

Fe2O3 fraction

in CO2+N2+H2O Steel

450oC 500oC 450oC 500oC

C-5 0.152 0.20 0.166 0.248

P-11 0. 218 0.248 0.248 0.27

P-22 1 1 0.20 0.23 Fe3O4 fraction = 1- Fe2O3 fraction

Since the results showed that we have only Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 oxides for C-5, P-11

and for P-22 oxidized in CO2+N2+H2O, so the gained weight belonges to the weight

of oxygen atoms that reacted with Fe. So from the Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 fractions given

in the Table A.1 above and the gained weight given in Table 4.1 we can calculate

the theoretical oxide scale thickness δ in centimeters as:

dy

*1000=δ

wher y is the gained weight after 35 hours oxidation period in mg/cm2 and

⎥⎦

⎤⎢⎣

⎡⎟⎠⎞

⎜⎝⎛+⎟

⎠⎞

⎜⎝⎛= NZMLd *

23264**

16048*

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L is the gravity of Fe2O3 = 5.24 g/cm3

M is Fe2O3 fraction in the oxide layer

Z is the gravity of Fe3O4 = 5.18 g/cm3

N is Fe3O4 fraction in the oxide layer = 1-M

Then the amount of Fe oxidized to Fe2O3 in mg/cm2 is equal to

M*160112*24.5*δ

and the amount of Fe oxidized to Fe3O4 in mg/cm2 is equal to

N*232168*18.5*δ

neglecting other elements in the steels, the theoretical depth of penteration in (cm)

can be calculated by dividing the total Fe oxidized to both Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 with the

gravity of pure iron (7.86 g/cm3). Tables A.2 and A.3 give the depth of penteration

after 35 hours oxidation period for all steels in (cm).

Table A.2 results of penteration depth calculation for air oxidation

Pen.depth at 450oC Pen.depth at 500oC

Steel cm in

35-hrs ipy

cm in

35-hrs ipy

C-5 0.000102 .010 0.000180 .0177

P-11 0.000153 .0151 0.000235 .0232

P-22 0.0000558 .0055 0.000133 .0131

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Table A.3 results of penteration depth calculation for CO2+N2+H2O oxidation

Pen.depth at 450oC Pen.depth at 500oC

Steel cm

in 35-hrs ipy

cm

in 35-hrs ipy

C-5 0.000123 .012 0.000285 .0281

P-11 0.000214 .0211 0.000371 .0365

P-22 0.000152 .015 0.000301 .0296