Influência das características do fluido na corrosão e erosão em amostras de aço 5l x65

Abstract

The objective of this research was to evaluate the corrosive and erosive behavior of API 5L X65 carbon steel samples with an external FBE coating used for transporting an aqueous suspension containing around 40% solids with a high content of aluminum hydrated silicates, mainly kaolinite and water, to identify the best operational method for intermittent pumping regimes, focusing on their influence on steel integrity. The samples were divided as follows: three samples of carbon steel pipes with an outer diameter (OD) of 14 inches, thickness (Th) of 8.74 mm (original), and 1 meter in length; a sample of process water and a sample of aqueous suspension with an average of 40% solids with a high content of aluminum hydrated silicates and acidic pH, each with approximately 60 liters (divided into two plastic containers of 30 liters). The results show that the KM-0 sample presented a yield limit below the specified minimum, and the KM-23 sample also showed a high standard deviation, suggesting a lack of homogeneity. The new pipe samples presented values within specifications. The significant difference in hardness between samples lies in the very low carbon percentage presented in the TR sample. This minimizes issues with potential weak points and increases material weldability; however, in some cases, pipes treated by controlled rolling achieve high mechanical strength and toughness with relatively low hardness, which can provide greater erosion resistance than tempered pipes. Samples KM-23 and KM-0, although having similar hardness and chemical composition, showed differences in absorbed energy and area reduction. This may be attributed to the higher sulfur content in sample KM-23, evidenced by detected sulfur-rich inclusions. Overall toughness was high for all samples, with no indication of brittleness under the tested conditions. The results of uniform and localized corrosion, disregarding the influence of oxygen, indicated that the acidic pH slurry is less corrosive than water. During water operation, the corrosion rate stabilizes over time; however, when production is intermittent, the film formed by water disappears, returning this rate to its initial condition, being even more detrimental to the pipe's integrity.