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Caustic Embrittlement

Caustic embrittlement is a type of intercrystalline cracking of steel caused by exposure to caustic solutions like hydroxide above 70°C while under tensile stress. It was commonly seen in riveted boiler joints and tube ends due to concentrated hydroxide deposits from boiler water. The combination of susceptible steel material, hydroxide chemical species, and tensile stress around rivet holes led to cracking of boiler shells and plates. It can be prevented by controlling stress, hardness, avoiding alkalis in water, using resistant materials, and controlling temperature and potential.

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2K views

Caustic Embrittlement

Caustic embrittlement is a type of intercrystalline cracking of steel caused by exposure to caustic solutions like hydroxide above 70°C while under tensile stress. It was commonly seen in riveted boiler joints and tube ends due to concentrated hydroxide deposits from boiler water. The combination of susceptible steel material, hydroxide chemical species, and tensile stress around rivet holes led to cracking of boiler shells and plates. It can be prevented by controlling stress, hardness, avoiding alkalis in water, using resistant materials, and controlling temperature and potential.

Uploaded by

rao9990
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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CAUSTIC EMBRITTLEMENT.

(metallurgy) Intercrystalline cracking of steel caused by exposure


to caustic solutions above 70°C while under tensile stress; once
common in riveted boilers. Also known as caustic cracking.

A type of embrittlement in the metal at joints and the ends of


tubes in steam boilers; due to the chemical composition of the
boiler water; may lead to failure of the metal.

What is caustic embtittlement?


"Caustic embrittlement" was first used to describe the cracking of
riveted mild steel boiler plates due to local deposition of
concentrated hydroxide at temperatures of 200 to 250oC (400 to
480oF). It was later known as "stress corrosion cracking" which
was in turn replaced by "environmental cracking".
What causes caustic embrittlement? Caustic embrittlement results
from the conjoint action of three components: (1) a susceptible
material (carbon steel); (2) a specific chemical species
(concentrated hydroxide) and (3) tensile stress (around the riveted
holes).
Caustic soda (NaOH) was added in small amounts to boiler water
to prevent scaling but the presence of caustics (alkalis), usually
concentrated in crevices around rivet heads and at hot spots,
combined with the considerable fabrication stresses around rivet
holes to caused cracking of the steel boiler shells and tube plates.
How to prevent caustic embrittlement? Caustic embrittlement can
be prevented through:
Control of stress level (residual or load) and hardness.
Avoid alkalis.
Use of materials known not to crack in the specified
environment.
Control temperature and or potential

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