Abstract
Failure analysis of five sections of plant (the cooling elbow of a chlorination reactor, electrolyte feed pipelines, tubes from an ethylene cracking furnace, the upper pressure cover of the chlorination reactor and heat exchanger tubing) in a petrochemical factory were investigated. Their microstructures were observed using optical and scanning electronic microscopy with compositional analysis measured using energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Mass loss experiments in the laboratory using selected materials and the working environment were also conducted. The main causes of the corrosion of the parts are discussed. Based on the results of the failure analysis, methods to improve the life of the parts are suggested. For example, by selection of suitable substitute alloys the working life of the parts may be increased.
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