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How do I stop HS corrosion in Lift Station without expensive chemicals

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agapeangel

Mechanical
Nov 22, 2000
1
Our Lift Station is on a long force main which is causing a great deal of Hydrogen sulfide emisions. There is no concern for control of the odor or Hydrogen sulfide do to the expense but the stainless steel guide rails for the pumps are corroding and im not sure what could be done to stop it now after it is 2 years running. Suggested ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thank You
 
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To stop the corrosion you have to either stop the HS formation/release or protect the steel from H2S (i.e. coating).
 
Are you experiencing the H2S in the station or in the forcemain? It sounds like you have a submersible station which would then not allow the gas (if created in the forcemain) back into the wet well.

I would try to isolate the origin of the H2S. Perhaps the residence time in the wet well is too long and can be decreased to minimize H2S formation and help save your new guide rails?
 
You do want to get rid of the H2S formation; but, sometimes it's extremely difficult or too expensive/maintenance intensive. Then you have to design with allowances for it (ie coatings, special pumps/piping, etc.)

I've not seen any stainless corrosion in our lift stations so I don't have expertise on this; but, I have read articles concerning corrosion on stainless. I use to think stainless was stainless; but, that isn't the case at all. Various metallurgies work differently in different situations and I know not all lift stations are alike. Even with the same equipment installed.

Most of these articles have stated that if the pH of the wastewater is less than neutral, it can corrode 304 stainless. One possible solution would be to use 316L stainless or another alloy.

Someone else may have more input on this than I.
 
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