Application is a hot feed gas valve in a hydrocracker. Thanks, Ed
Piping upstream is 321 stainless steel. The valve body is 316 stainless steel as is the stem. Environment consists of >985F hot sour gas (approx 2wt%H2S, 78% H2, methane 15%) from a Hydrocracker reactor bypass. The current valve has had to be rebuilt every year because so much corrosion product builds up and the valve body and stem (also 316) are corroding that it needs to be serviced every year. Corrosion product consists primarily of Fe, Cr, Mo, and S. Some minor Ni.
Type 321 or 347 stainless steel seem appropriate for the stem and body.
You mentioned that sensitization is only one factor in lowered sulfidation resistance, but is it the primary reason for lower sulfidation resistance of the 316 vs. 321 at these temperatures? Are there any problems with using 347 in place of 321 or 316 in this service?
Any comments?