Edelstahl-Werkstoffe in Reinstwasser- und Reinstdampf-Anlagen

Stainless Steels for High Purity Water and Steam Systems
Several stainless steel grades may be used for high purity water and steam system to avoid cross-contamination of the products. The alloy composition, the microstructure, any processing or mechanical working, and the environment will influence the quality of the thin passive layer, which protects the steel from corrosion. Stainless steels show Rouging of the surfaces from routine operation, while the usual corrosion forms like pitting result quite often from system setups or poor fabrication and testing procedures. While electro polishing increases permanently the corrosion resistance, passivation has a temporary effect only. Quality control is key to detect manufacturing defects like heat tints from welding early and avoid later problems.