Experimental investigation of high-temperature corrosion properties in simulated reducing-sulphidizing atmospheres of the waterwall fireside in the boiler

The presence of reducing atmospheres of the waterwall fireside in the boiler due to extensive use of low-NOx combustion mode caused severe high-temperature corrosion problems. In this study, high-temperature sulphur corrosion properties of two types of low alloyed waterwall steel (15CrMoG and 12Cr1MoVG) in two kinds of reducing-sulphidizing atmospheres were investigated by lab-scale experiments. The experimental atmospheres and temperature were simulated according to field measurements in the boiler of a thermal power plant. The experimental results showed that the reducing-sulphidizing atmosphere with CO was more corrosive, and the CO accelerated the corrosion of H2S and worsened the corrosion. The CO inhibited the formation of oxide scales, provided some corrosion resistance, and produced the intensely corrosive COS. The corrosivity of the alkali metal chlorides was limited in the reducing-sulphidizing atmosphere without CO, while the corrosion was strongly hindered in the reducing-sulphidizing atmosphere with CO.