An intergranular attack (IGA) problem in a type 304L stainless-clad (compound plate) kraft digester was investigated using both in-situ corrosion probes and laboratory autoclaves filled with alkaline digester liquors. IGA in digester liquers was found to depend on both the degree of sensitization of the stainless steel and on the corrosion potential. Clad plate which as-supplied had a small degree of sensitization was most negatively affected by heat treatment in the sensitizing range (600°C). The IGA process involved initial consumption of grain boundary carbides, then of the adjacent chromium-depleted zones and finally, complete consumption of the austenite grains, leaving behind a corrosion product rich in nickel sulfide. Anodic and cathodic protection, stainless steel weld overlay, and thermal spray coating were found to be effective measures for protection of sensitized stainless steel from IGA in digester liquors.
Keywords: Anodic protection, corrosion products, com)sion testing, compound plate, digesters, intergranular corrosion, potentiostatic polarization, pulp and papel, sensitization, stainless steels, thermal spray, weld overlay.