Compatibility of Molten Sulphur and 304L SS
Compatibility of Molten Sulphur and 304L SS
(OP)
Does anyone have any experoence using 304L SS for molten sulphur storage? We have a tank designed and installed three years ago that has experienced extreme chloride cracking, inside and out.
Tank is not blanketed, no sweep, temp is 270 degrees.
Tank is not blanketed, no sweep, temp is 270 degrees.





RE: Compatibility of Molten Sulphur and 304L SS
Something with 6%+ Mo like 254SMO *might* work.
RE: Compatibility of Molten Sulphur and 304L SS
Any published documents I have seen state that 304L is either "good" or "resistant" when exposed to molten sulfur.
Thanks for the response.
bobnecciai
RE: Compatibility of Molten Sulphur and 304L SS
RE: Compatibility of Molten Sulphur and 304L SS
Thanks
RE: Compatibility of Molten Sulphur and 304L SS
typically carbon steel is the material of choice.surprised that external cracking is reported; most sulfur tanks are insulated.
suspect that you are operating in a coastal environment and pulling in salt laden air during sulfur transfers.
if you are using level bubblers then you tend to purge out the ambient air. If not then you need to install gas blanketing. If you use air then you'll also need provision for fire extinguishing (steam is commonly used).
RE: Compatibility of Molten Sulphur and 304L SS
If at any time the sulfur came from a pit as is common in refinery Sulfur Recovery Units, groundwater can seep in via cracks in the concrete pit wall. CS steam heating coils are another source after they perforate from corrosion.
Running a molten sulfur tank with no inert gas blanketing is dangerous.