Corrosion of Subsurf Utility Transformer SS Tank
Corrosion of Subsurf Utility Transformer SS Tank
(OP)
Gents,
I'm not a corrosion engineer, I'm an EE, but recently we've had a couple of stainless steel (409) subsurface transformer tanks corrode through and fail. The transformers are only 3.5 yr old. They're located in a concrete vault and have standing water around them pretty much 24/7. I'm not sure whether to install CP and/or change our spec to require a higher grade stainless. Water tests haven't pointed out anything abnormal:
CL 20 ppm
EC 4000 ohms/cm
pH 7.2 neutral
the soil conditions are corrosive to mildly corrosive. Does anyone have any suggestions or know of a corrosive engineering firm with experience in utility based corrosion of this nature???
I'm not a corrosion engineer, I'm an EE, but recently we've had a couple of stainless steel (409) subsurface transformer tanks corrode through and fail. The transformers are only 3.5 yr old. They're located in a concrete vault and have standing water around them pretty much 24/7. I'm not sure whether to install CP and/or change our spec to require a higher grade stainless. Water tests haven't pointed out anything abnormal:
CL 20 ppm
EC 4000 ohms/cm
pH 7.2 neutral
the soil conditions are corrosive to mildly corrosive. Does anyone have any suggestions or know of a corrosive engineering firm with experience in utility based corrosion of this nature???





RE: Corrosion of Subsurf Utility Transformer SS Tank
RE: Corrosion of Subsurf Utility Transformer SS Tank
The other option is a higher grade of stainless. My suggestion would be a lean duplex grade like LDX2101 or AL2003. These grades have great strength (make the tanks thinner) and have good corrosion resistance even in the as-welded condition.
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RE: Corrosion of Subsurf Utility Transformer SS Tank
RE: Corrosion of Subsurf Utility Transformer SS Tank
I've talked with the manufacturer and they’ve been reluctant to suggest anything with respect to the type or grade of stainless we should be using. I assume due to liability reasons. I have sent off material samples of one of the failed transformers for failure analysis along with water samples and I’m waiting for the results. FYI. I’ve also posted this thread in Electric Power Engineering forum for input as well.