Analysis and Control Suggestion for Rust Thorn Formation in Heat Exchanger of Recirculating Cooling Water System

In order to analyze the causes of rust thorn on the heat exchanger of the recirculating cooling water system in a large petrochemical enterprise, rotating coupon tests were performed in simulated recirculating cooling water containing nitrate and oil. In addition, dynamic simulation experiments were also carried out using the simulated operation parameters of the cooling water system in the field. The results show that the rust thorn formed due to the deposition of corrosion products at the tube outlet by water flow when localized corrosion was severe. It is suggested that increasing the dosage of corrosion inhibitor and the flow rate in the field would be beneficial to the control of rust thorn formation.