Corrosion Challenges of Fixed Equipment in Bleached Pulp Facilities

Aggressive chemicals utilized in today’s pulp processing as part of the bleaching process can cause aggressive deterioration of alloys and non-metallic materials. Knowing possible corrosion mechanisms, where to inspect, and how to assess damage is critical to long-term reliable operation of the equipment. Optimizing equipment life can be achieved through engineering-based risk inspections and appropriate damage assessment tools. This article focuses on the typical corrosion mechanism and the appropriate inspection best practices in this aggressive environment.