DISCUSSION OF STAINLESS STEELS FOR SURFACE CONDENSERS AND FEEDWATER HEATER TUBING A DESIGNERS’ HANDBOOK SERIES NO 9030 Produced by Distributed by AMERICAN IRON NICKEL AND STEEL INSTITUTE INSTITUTE DISCUSSION OF STAINLESS STEELS FOR SURFACE CONDENSERS AND FEEDWATER HEATER TUBING A DESIGNERS’ HANDBOOK SERIES NO 9030 Originally, this handbook was published in 1974 by the Committee of Stainless Steel Producers, American Iron and Steel Institute. The Nickel Institute republished the handbook in 2020. Despite the age of this publication the information herein is considered to be generally valid. Material presented in the handbook has been prepared for the general information of the reader and should not be used or relied on for specific applications without first securing competent advice. The Nickel Institute, the American Iron and Steel Institute, their members, staff and consultants do not represent or warrant its suitability for any general or specific use and assume no liability or responsibility of any kind in connection with the information herein. Nickel Institute
[email protected] www.nickelinstitute.org INTRODUCTION In July 1958, the Monongahela Power Company placed in operation at the Rivesville Station in West Virginia a 54,997-square-foot surface condenser completely retubed with Type 304 stainless steel. This is the first all-stainless tubed unit. The 88-10-2 brass tubes previously used had lasted only an average of nine years; whereas several stain less steel tubes, being tested in the same condenser prior to 1958, lasted 17 years before they were removed for examination. They were found to be free of corrosion. Between the years 1958 and 1973, the use of stainless steel for power plant condenser service rose from a mere one per cent of the total usage to a point today where it is approximately 50 per cent.