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graphitic corrosion

Jim_83
Jim_83 Member Posts: 67
in THE MAIN WALL
Can anything be done to filter the supply air?
Are there water treatments to neutralize the chlorides in the water?

Comments

  • Jim_83
    Jim_83 Member Posts: 67


    There a lot of talk here about graphitic corrosion. I'm considering a sealed combustion boiler with outside supply air.

    Does the chloride in road salt or deicing chemicals effect the HX the same way as chlorine in water?

    If it does, what can I do to protect the stainless steel HX. Is an aluminium HX more corrosion resistant?
  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 23,198
    My former shop and home

    was located just off Interstate 80 in Utah. Right at Parleys summit. The pass there was heavily controlled with various chemicals. Often a liquid de-icer was applied before the storms, then loads of salt.

    The new owner has gone through two stainless HX in a sealed combustion mod con. I really feel the air that those units breath has a lot to do with their health and life span.

    I'd wonder the same about seashore locations??

    hr
    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • Steve Ebels_3
    Steve Ebels_3 Member Posts: 1,291
    In an environment like that

    Do you think the material the HX is made of would really make a difference? NaCl has equally negative effects on Cast, Aluminum and Stainless, especially when present in the combustion process.

    One has to wonder a bit as to the effects on a person's own physiology also.
  • scrook_2
    scrook_2 Member Posts: 610
    fine dust?

    The sodium (or other) chloride may come in as very fine dust in the air, and chlorides can be particularly tough on some stainless steel alloys. Might need to be a BIG expensive air filter. Don't know for sure, just speculating.

    Nasty stuff, chlorine, makes oxygen look downright tame!
  • Roland_4
    Roland_4 Member Posts: 84
    Corrosion

    From what I've read, airborne clorides are a natural part of the environment. They can be generated by volcanic eruptions and forrest fires. I think they are very abundant in the form of hydrogen chloride which becomes hydrochloric acid when combined with water. Think about acid rain also. As previously stated, chlorides used to melt snow become air-borne as fine dust when dried out. This will find its way into your heating system if it relies on combustion air piped from outside the structure. I don't know if some sort of air filter is practical as the particulates are exreemly small. Regular cleaning with fresh water may be helpful. Depends on how easy it is to get at the units' innards. Roland
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