THE CORROSION OF CARBON-STEEL IN LITHIUM BROMIDE SOLUTION AT MODERATE TEMPERATURES

The corrosion of carbon steel was studied in various LiBr solutions of 1-25 m (mol kg-1-H2O) at 100-160-degrees-C in relation to absorption refrigeration and heat pump systems. Increase in temperature suppressed corrosion slightly in 2 m solution, whereas it promoted corrosion in 23 m solution. The increase in LiBr concentration decreased corrosion slightly at 100-degrees-C, while it accelerated it at 160-degrees-C. Mixed behaviour was observed in intermediate conditions of temperature and concentration. The corrosion morphology was general. Magnetite particles adhered on the surface. These complicated features of the corrosion process are described in relation to the properties of the solution, such as the activities of the bromide ion and water, the viscosity of the solution, as well as the adhered corrosion products.