Factors Influencing the Corrosion of Boiler Steels in Municipal Incinerators

Abstract

Corrosion resulting from the action of flue gases and accumulated deposits in municipal incinerators has been studied by means of a probe consisting of boiler steel specimens. Corrosion rates have been interpreted in terms of flue gas and deposit analyses, and correlated with laboratory studies. Accumulation of elements such as sulfur, chlorine, zinc, aluminum, potassium, and occasionally lead and copper occurred at the interface of the deposit and the metal. Possible causes of corrosion in incinerators and the mechanisms by which chemicals react with construction materials are discussed.