Abstract
Studies on the corrosion behavior of austenitic stainless steels (AISI 304, 304L, 316, 347, 316L, 302 and 430, all of which were solution treated or sensitized) were conducted in flowing water at the temperature of 200°C to 350°C and the flow rate up to 12m/sec.
No appreciable difference was noted among general corrosion rates of AISI 304, 304L and 347, although AISI 316, 316L and 302 showed slightly higher rate than the former tested. The corrosion rate of AISI 430, however was about ten-fold as large. The sensitizing treatment had no effect on general corrosion or selective attack.
Investigation made in the range of 200°C to 350°C showed that alloys of austenite structure indicated a maximum corrosion rate at 250°C and those of ferrite structure at 300°C, while at those two temperatures the effect of flow rate on the corrosion was most remarkable. The mechanism was discussed of the phenomenon in which a maximum corrosion rate was indicated.
