A paper has been presented at the Eleventh International Symposium on Corrosion in the Pulp and Paper Industry (ISCPPI) at the Charleston Place Hotel, Charleston, South Carolina, held from June 7th to 11th 2004. The paper was presented by David Bennett a consultant in the pulp and paper industry, and Chris Beckitt of Cromweld Steels Limited.

The paper reports on experimental testing carried out comparing the performance of 12% chromium utility stainless steel, like 3CR12, with the performance of carbon steel and grade 304 in alkaline and neutral service environments typically found in Pulp and Paper mills.

The results of testing showed that 12% chromium stainless steels like 3CR12 and Cromgard can successfully replace carbon steel in green and black liquor. However, grade 304 remains the material of choice for use with white liquor.

Compared to carbon steel, the combination of high strength, superior resistance to corrosion in many process environments, and to atmospheric conditions, makes weldable 12% Chromium stainless steels conforming to ASTM A240 UNS S41003 a worthwhile lower 'total cost' alternative to carbon steel.

Identified potential applications include:

Tanks and process vessels for black liquor, up to approximately 35% solids, tanks and clarifiers for green liquor, tanks for brown stock and for filtrates from brown stock and extraction stage washers, tanks for reasonably clean water service e.g fire protection, utility water, warm and hot mill process water and clean steam condensate. Hoppers and chutes for recovery boiler ash, stcks and ducts for combustion flue gas and hoppers, bins and conveyors etc for coal, bark, chips, lime, knots etc.

If you would like a copy of this paper, please forward a request through the 'contact us' page of this web site.