Electrochemical Techniques for Monitoring Corrosion Rates in Simulated Kraft White Liquors
SourceCorrosion severely damages carbon steel equipment exposed to alkaline sulfide liquors during kraft pulping operations. Studies have been conducted to determine whether linear polarization or electrical resistance methods could be used to monitor corrosion rates in kraft white liquors. Corrosion rates determined by these two methods have been compared with actual corrosion rates determined by weight loss. Linear polarization and electrical resistance methods both were found to provide accurate assessments of instantaneous corrosion rates, although errors in linear polarization results were observed when carbon steel was at passive potentials and liquor oxidation was possible. Empirical calibration of the linear polarization method is necessary for quantitative prediction of corrosion rates in kraft white liquors.