Technical Bulletin 18.11.

01
Chloride Concentration vs. Critical Pitting
Temperature of SST 304L and SST 316L:

Pitting Corrosion is a form of localized corrosion that affects the exposed surfaces of stainless
steel alloys. Pitting corrosion is a local break in the passive layer of the stainless steel provoked
by an electrolyte typically rich in chloride ions. The temperature of the stainless steel plays a vital
role in this type of corrosion.

Problems with pitting corrosion attacks depend primarily on the chloride content, the pH value
(acidity) and the temperature of the bulk water within the evaporative cooler. At the site of the
pitting, where the metal is unprotected, corrosion will develop if the pit does not re-passivate.
Conversely, a spontaneous repair of the passive layer can occur if the environment is not too
corrosive for the stainless steel alloy in question. In general, the environment within ECOSS
evaporative coolers is corrosive. The pitting tendency increases with higher metal surface
temperatures and greater chloride levels. This is depicted in Fig. 1 below.

Figure 1. Critical Pitting Temperature Chart

Fig. 1 above illustrates that pitting of stainless steel 304L will occur in the region below the blue
curve, and for stainless steel 316L in the region below the red curve. While most water quality
guidelines provide the maximum chloride concentrations in ppm, it is worthwhile noting that 0.01%
wt. is equivalent to 100 ppm and 0.1% wt. is equivalent to 1,000 ppm.
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TB 18.11.01 GUNTNER U.S. LLC ©

Technical Bulletin 18.11.01
Chloride Concentration vs. Critical Pitting
Temperature of SST 304L and SST 316L:

Water Quality Guidelines [Stainless Steel Tubes]

Recommended Value
Property
SST 304L SST 316L
Total Bacteria (cfu/ml) < 1,000
Legionella spp. (cfu/100ml) < 1,000
pH (@ 90°F) 6.0 - 9.0
Chlorides as Cl- < 250 ppm (max. Cl) < 400 ppm (max. Cl)
Sulfates as SO42- < 250 ppm < 500 ppm
Silica < 150 ppm
Hardness as CaCO3 < 500 ppm
Alkalinity as CaCO3 < 600 ppm (as CaCO3)
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) < 1,500 ppm
Total Suspended Solids < 40 ppm
Manganese < 50 ppb
Conductivity < 3,000
Free Chlorine < 1.0 ppm < 2.0 ppm

Figure 2. Water Quality Guidelines

As can be seen in Fig. 2 above, the maximum recommended chloride levels for SST 304L and SST
316L are 250 ppm and 400 ppm, respectively. Applying this to Fig. 1 will equate to a critical
surface temperature of 115°F for SST 304L (250 ppm), and 180°F for SST 316L (400 ppm). If
either the chloride levels are greater than these values, or the surface temperature is higher, pitting
corrosion will occur.

In “normal” operating conditions the surface temperature of the tubes will be at, or very close to,
the saturated condensing temperature, which in the majority of instances is around 95°F, during
higher ambient conditions. As such, during normal operating conditions the surface temperatures
are below the critical pitting temperatures, as long as the chloride levels are less than the
recommended maximum levels. It is also interesting to note the high chloride levels SST 316L can
withstand considering every portion of the tube bundle is completely wetted, continuously.

However, these values are relatively close to critical levels for SST 304L tubes, and during an upset
condition could present a situation that is above the curve. The most important aspect to take into
consideration with regard to these critical pitting temperatures is what happens to the metal
surface temperatures when a water distribution nozzle(s) is blocked. In the absence of water at the
refrigerant inlet to the condenser, and along most of the uppermost row of tubes, these surface
temperatures will be close to the discharge temperature of the compressor, and can get close to
185°F. This will undoubtedly result in pitting corrosion for SST 304L tubes, and is reaching a critical
temperature even for SST 316L tubes.

It is therefore essential that the nozzles are kept clean, free of any obstruction and 100% maintained, at
all times during the operation of the unit. Failure to maintain nozzles clean, poor water quality
management and lack of general maintenance can be catastrophic to the life of the stainless steel heat
exchanger coil, regardless whether SST 304L or 316L, within an ECOSS evaporative cooler or
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condenser.

TB 18.11.01 GUNTNER U.S. LLC ©