A number of alloys are used as heat exchanger materials in seawater cooling systems, including stainless steels, aluminum, and nickel-based alloys. The localized corrosion of these materials is affected by temperature, microbial activity, chlorination, flow rate, and geographic location. A predictive model is presented and compared to field experiences of these alloys in seawater systems.
Keywords: seawater, localized corrosion, stainless steel, aluminum, repassivation potential, corrosion potential