Case Studies

Background

Crevice corrosion between the heat exchanger tube sheet and tubes caused deposits to build up, reducing heat transfer efficiency and overall equipment performance.

Root Cause

Small gaps between the tube sheet and tubes created electrochemical concentration differences, leading to progressive crevice corrosion.

Goal

Prevent corrosion between the tube sheet and tubes and reduce deposit buildup to maintain heat transfer efficiency.

Tube sheet before ARC 855 application.

Application Process

1. Prepare and clean the substrate.
2. Apply two brush coats of ARC 855, with the second coat applied within the recommended overcoat window to prevent intercoat delamination. Total coating thickness: 400–700 μm
3. After curing, visually inspect for pinholes or incomplete curing.

Important: Weather and ambient temperature must be considered during coating application.

ARC 855 application to the tube sheet.

Application Date: March 2020

As of December 2025, corrosion between the tube sheet and tubes remained controlled, improving flow and maintaining stable heat transfer performance.

Maintenance costs were also reduced, and more than 10 similar heat exchangers at the plant have since been upgraded with ARC 855.

Tube sheet after ARC 855 application.

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