Flow-assisted corrosion of API X-52 steel in 3.5% NaCl solution

Abstract

Corrosion behaviour of API X-52 grade High Strength Low Alloy (HSLA) steel in 3.5% NaCl solution under flow conditions was studied. Rotating cylinder-, rotating disk- and flat plate-type rotors were used to observe the effect of rotor geometry. The empirically obtained mass transfer correlations are in agreement with those for standard geometry. An empirical relation between Reynolds number (Re) and weight loss has also been developed for the parallel disk rotor. Scanning electron microscopy of the corroded surface revealed that corrosion proceeds through an initiation of pit-like regions and their subsequent growth.