Cathodic Protection Implementation on Shell & Tube Heat Exchangers 1

[sahsanb]

I have been assigned to conduct a feasibility study on implementing cathodic protection on 140 shell & tube type heat exchangers at our site. Exchangers with cooling water on tube side are particularly susceptible to leakages due to poor cooling water chemistry management, CS metallurgy and ineffectiveness of corrosion inhibitors. In consideration of the fact that cooling water chemistry continues to be poor and corrosion inhibitors being not effective enough to improve the situation, please share can we implement cathodic protection system on our exchangers and if so which are the best companies to contact in this regard.

I would also appreciate if you can highlight any limitations of implementing CP system for tubes protection in heat exchangers.

Thanks & Regards,

 

[SJones]

Limitations:

1. Temperature
2. Current distribution along tubes
3. Monitoring
4. Isolation
5. Safety
6. Maintenance

Since you have exhausted 25% of the corrosion control options, i.e. environment modification, it leaves CP, coating, or resistant material selection. Of these options, coating and CP would have to be used together increasing expense. A lifecycle costing exercise might demonstrate that replacement with an appropriate material offers the best value.

Steve Jones
Corrosion Management Consultant

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/8/83b/b04

All answers are personal opinions only and are in no way connected with any employer.

 

[sahsanb]

SJones, Thank you very much for your prompt response. Can you highlight a few competent companies I should contact so that I may share our equipment details and attain budgetary proposals.

 

[SJones]

Unfortunately, I cannot because a) I don't know your location, and b) I do not wish to appear to favour any specific companies over and above those that I do not know but which may be very capable. Google is a very useful tool to assist your research.

Steve Jones
Corrosion Management Consultant

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/8/83b/b04

All answers are personal opinions only and are in no way connected with any employer.

 

[EdStainless]

You can't use CP to protect HX tubes, you can't get enough current through down the small IDs to get suitable protection.
You can protect the water boxes and the tubes sheets, but the tubing.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
P.E. Metallurgy, Plymouth Tube