Method and apparatus for local protection of piping systems from stress corrosion cracking
US5392325A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 21, 1993 |
| Grant date | Feb 21, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 21, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A catalytic recombiner device for reacting two or more molecular species having dilute concentrations in fluids flowing in pipes at elevated temperatures. The species are stable in the bulk fluid, but because of a high electrochemical potential, the species create conditions favorable to stress corrosion cracking in the pipe walls. If the pipe forms a portion of a coolant system, as in a nuclear power plant, the dissolved chemical species are transported and distributed throughout the system with undesirable consequences. To reduce the electrochemical potential, a cartridge having catalytic surfaces is installed in the flow upstream of the component to be protected against stress corrosion cracking. The catalytic surfaces of the cartridge form a small amount of benign reaction product (e.g. water), thereby reducing the concentration of undesirable species. The presence of a compact catalytic recombiner at strategic locations substantially reduces the electrochemical potential and protects both the piping and the vessels and internals connected to the piping from corrosive attack.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.