Review Paper Final
Review Paper Final
Review Paper Final
ABSTRACT
This review paper analyzes different degradation mechanisms in Seawater coolers and
Heat exchangers working in marine environment, with aim of providing important
suggestions for future research and design requirements. It highlights different
challenges posed by marine environment to heat exchangers, discusses materials
commonly used, their susceptibility to various forms of corrosion, and provides insights
into failure analysis techniques. Preventive measures and mitigation strategies are
discussed, emphasizing the significance of material compatibility with corrosive
surroundings. The review concludes by identifying research gaps and future directions
in this field, serving as a valuable resource for professionals and researchers in the
domain of sea water cooling and heat exchange systems.
1. INTRODUCTION
The main objective of this paper is to study various failures prospects in sea water
coolers emphasizing more on corrosion and material selection. Corrosion is the gradual
degradation of materials due to chemical reactions with the surrounding environment.
The marine environment is very hostile to the material surfaces and provides formidable
challenges in terms of corrosion, fouling and material selection. The continuous
exposure to saltwater, with its high chloride content and varying temperature and
salinity, makes it very dangerous for use in marine equipment. Over time, this exposure
can lead to a range of corrosion mechanisms, jeopardizing the structural integrity and
effectiveness of machinery crucial for system’s operation (Azadi, 2016).
Sea water Coolers, employed in various industrial systems processes, including marine
ships, offshore oil and gas production plants, power generation etc, is responsible for
the heat transfer between different fluids for maintaining temperatures, working under
highly corrosive environment at sea. The reliable performance of sea water coolers and
heat exchangers is essential for the uninterrupted operation of these industries,
ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with environmental regulations (Ian, 2018).
Heat exchangers used in the marine applications such as oil and gas rigs,
thermoelectricity and ship industry are mostly of shell and tube type in which sea water
is used as cooling medium, where tubes’ stacks are made from copper-based materials
for their thermal conducting and anti-corrosive properties (Collini, 2012). In these
coolers/ heat exchangers there is a shell, which is generally a large pressure vessel,
with tubes bundle inside it. Heat transfer occurs between the fluid through tubes and the
fluid outside the tube in the shell, through the tube walls.
2. FAILURE MECHANISMS
The three most frequently seen failure modes are tensile fracturing, stress corrosion-
cracking (SCC), and corrosion exhaustion. The mechanical deterioration of the heat
exchanger material surface caused by the aggressive flow of fluids and the corrosive
environment is reflected in corrosion (Liu, 2016). Additional applied mechanical
processes, like corrosion formation on contacting surfaces between slipping and
vibrating metals under load, are also crucial (Marvin, 1982).
2.1 Erosion
2.2 Vibration
Typically, the crack travels radially across the pipeline, resulting in multiple
complete breakages. In other instances, the fracture just happens halfway
through the pipeline, and then continues through it lengthwise.
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Fig ii. Heat exchanger showing thermal fatigue (SCHWARTZ, 1982)
2.4 Corrosion
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Those materials having gaps, crevices, or areas where sea-water
stagnation can occur, such as gasketed joints and bolts, are at risk of
crevice corrosion (Wan, 2023). This type of corrosion is very difficult to
detect because of its location.
Tube-sheet and baffles are susceptible zones for crevice corrosion in
shell-and-tube exchangers. These parts have holes which tubes inserted
through them and have probable remained gaps after the expansion
process (H. Panahi, 2020).
This type of corrosion occurs across the entire exposed surface resulting
in material loss. This phenomenon is accelerated by factors like
temperature and salinity. Understanding these corrosion types and their
underlying factors is crucial for assessing the condition of sea water
coolers and heat exchangers. Each corrosion type may require distinct
preventive measures and mitigation strategies (Hosni Ezuber, 2022).
2.5 Fouling
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The operational efficiency of a system can be significantly impacted negatively by
fouling on the surfaces of process equipment. Fouling can cause major economic
drain which will be a huge economic impact for most industries today. It is
estimated that the combined annual costs of major industrialized nations spent
due to fouling failures exceed US$4.4 million. The losses incurred by
industrialized countries because of heat exchanger fouling are estimated to be
between 0.25% and 30% of their GDP. Pritchard and Thackery (Harwell
Laboratories) estimate that heat exchangers and boilers account for 15% of
process plant maintenance costs, of which half are likely the result of fouling.
Production losses because of declining efficiency and production losses during
scheduled or unplanned maintenance are expenses related to heat exchanger
fouling. The chief fouling mechanisms or stages include:
(1) Delay or initial period This is the time before dirt builds up on a clean
surface. In comparison to a clean surface, the buildup of comparatively
modest amounts of deposit can even improve heat transmission and
create the impression of "negative" fouling rates and overall fouling
amounts.
(2) Particulate fouling and particle formation, aggregation and
flocculation.
(3) Foulant movement and mass transit to the fouling locations.
(4) Phase separation and deposition, which includes attaching to the
fouling sites and nucleating them to produce deposits.
(5) Growth, aging and hardening and the increase of deposits strength
or auto-retardation, erosion and removal.
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3.3 Corrosion Testing
XRD helps identify crystalline phases within the material, aiding in the
assessment of its structural integrity.
Resilient measures and mitigation methods are critical for preventing failures in
seawater heat exchanger systems. These tactics are essential for guaranteeing these
vital components' long-term dependability and functionality. A great deal of effort is put
into preventing corrosion and reducing fouling, with several new solutions being
developed recently (Willem Faes, 2018). These include treating feed beforehand, using
anti-foulants, applying mechanical on-line mitigation techniques, and avoiding feed
contact with air or oxygen by nitrogen blanketing. Corrosion fouling will be reduced by
cathodic protection and surface treatments like passivation of stainless steel. (Ibrahim,
2012).
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4.4.2 Impressed Current Cathodic Protection
The mitigation of fouling and particle deposition in heat exchangers is the utmost
essential and indispensable requirement (Shaiful Rizam Shamsudin, 2015).
Routine inspection and maintenance play a pivotal role in identifying corrosion
and material degradation early, allowing for timely corrective action. Key aspects
include:
Selecting materials with excellent sea water resistance and designing systems
with consideration for corrosion-prone areas are essential preventive measures.
Choose materials that exhibit high corrosion resistance, such as copper-nickel
alloys or titanium, for critical components exposed to sea water (Klenam, 2014).
Design heat exchanger systems to minimize crevices and stagnant areas where
corrosion can occur. Ensure adequate flow and mixing to minimize the risk of
localized corrosion (Alapati, 2022).
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4.7 Water Treatment and Monitoring
To maintain or enhance its function, the heat exchangers must be cleaned. Two
categories of cleaning strategies are offline and in-service cleaning. In some
situations, cleaning can be done while the system is in operation to maintain a
decent level of efficiency without causing a disruption to service. One can
undertake offline washing in a variety of circumstances. (Patil, 2022).
5. MATERIAL SELECTION
Material Selection for sea water coolers is the most important part of its design, for
ensuring high efficiency through utmost heat transfer rate, without compromising on
reliability and corrosion resistance properties. The choice of materials depends on
various factors, including the specific operational conditions, exposure to sea water, and
the desired mechanical properties (Careri, 2023). This section provides an overview of
materials commonly used in these applications and compares their properties.
Copper-nickel alloys are favored for their excellent corrosion resistance and anti-
fouling properties in sea water environments. Commonly used Cu-Ni alloys
include Cu-Ni 90/10 and Cu-Ni 70/30(Jasner, 2002) i. Cu-Ni alloys are known for
their exceptional resistance to chloride-induced corrosion, pitting, and crevice
corrosion. Also, they are effective in preventing biofouling which reduces heat
transfer efficiency of Heat Exchanger. Cu-Ni alloys offers high thermal
conductivity which makes them suitable for use in marine environment
(Beckmann, 1998).
Stainless steel is widely utilized in sea water coolers and heat exchangers,
primarily due to its corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. Common
grades include 316L and 2205. Stainless steel grades may be resistant to
general corrosion but highly susceptible to pitting corrosion in chloride-rich
marine environments. It provides good mechanical properties, making it suitable
for applications where higher strength is required. Stainless steel is readily
available and can be easily fabricated (Schleich, 2004) .
Aluminum brass is another material used in sea water cooling systems, offering a
balance between corrosion resistance and thermal conductivity. Aluminum brass
demonstrates good resistance to sea water corrosion, making it suitable for heat
exchanger applications. it has high thermal conductivity so results in efficient
heat transfer between fluids. Aluminum brass is relatively easy to fabricate and
install (Ifezue, 2015).
5.4 Titanium
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Titanium is known for exceptional corrosion resistance properties in sea water
environment, making it suitable for high-performance heat exchangers. Titanium
is lightweight and has a high strength-to-weight ratio, making it advantageous for
certain applications (Nicolas, 2019).
5.5.4 Cost
Material cost varies, with stainless steel generally being more cost-
effective than titanium, while copper-nickel alloys and aluminum brass fall
within a moderate cost range.
6. CONCLUSION
Through this review paper we have analyzed the challenges faced in the marine
environment, including different types of failures, their reasons and ways for tackling
them. We explored the properties and suitability of commonly used materials, including
copper-nickel alloys, stainless steel, aluminum brass, and titanium, in addressing these
challenges.
The selection of appropriate materials for sea water coolers and heat exchangers is a
complex decision, often requiring a trade-off between corrosion resistance, mechanical
properties, thermal conductivity, and cost. Each material offers distinct advantages and
limitations, and the choice should be guided by the specific requirements of the
application and the severity of the sea water environment (Usman, 2016).
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Moreover, the paper highlighted the significance of employing failure analysis
techniques, such as metallurgical analysis, corrosion testing, non-destructive testing,
scanning electron microscopy, and material characterization, in understanding the root
causes of failures. Preventive measures and mitigation strategies, including coating
systems and cathodic protection, were also discussed to minimize the risks associated
with sea water corrosion. These strategies play a crucial role in prolonging the
operational life of sea water coolers and heat exchangers.
Looking forward, it is evident that ongoing research and innovation are essential to
further enhance the performance of these systems. Future research should focus on
developing advanced materials, corrosion-resistant coatings, and improved failure
analysis techniques to address the unique challenges of sea water environments
(Marrow, 2006)ii.
In conclusion, the comprehensive review provided in this paper serves as a valuable
resource for engineers, researchers, and professionals in the field of heat transfer
systems. By addressing the issues of corrosion, material selection, and failure analysis,
we can better equip ourselves to meet the demanding requirements of marine industry
ensuring the long-term reliability and efficiency of our systems.
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