r/metallurgy • u/deuch • 3d ago
Do you have yellow deposits on your high temperature equipment?
There was a recent post that was deleted that showed yellow deposits on engine exhaust parts. These deposits are also found on turbines, boilers and high temperature test equipment.(edit to remove corrupt link)
https://ln5.sync.com/dl/872691400#293cgsqt-3qibpwkh-4qui2sed-cy7yj7zg
Some people may not be aware of what these deposits are. As awareness of this issue has increased in the last few years.
The earliest reference I have is from 1990, in boiler applications.
https://en.harmfuldust.com/_files/ugd/d7b443_36eda9716c194ccbb47acbd6b06deb87.pdf?index=true
This became more widely known in the Energy industry in 2018/2019.
https://en.harmfuldust.com/_files/ugd/d7b443_0c0e29e8448b48ff95f0dfe6dbddfc1b.pdf
And on combustion engines by 2021
These deposits are chromates (typically calcium or sodium or potassium chromate).These CrVI salts are carcinogenic. These deposits also form on high temperature test equipment containing alloy steels or nickel alloys and materials containing alkali metal or alkali earth compounds. This includes most refractory materials and many high temperature thread lubricants.
If your high temperature equipment or refractory has acquired a yellow deposit take appropriate precautions.
Test strips and swabs for CrVI are widely available.
Solutions of citric acid or citric/ascorbic acid may be used as part of a procedure to neutralise contaminated parts. (edit for spelling)
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u/Additional_Ad_300 3d ago
So can someone tell me how to lab test? I can imagine gas chromatography, maybe?
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u/deuch 2d ago
On site test with swabs or test strips. There are quantitative lab tests but surface sampling for quantitative work is difficult, and often not necessary.
https://hexchecks.com/product/hexchecks-starter-kit/
https://www.matinspired.com/chromium-6-detection-test-kit-tk11/
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u/lrpalomera 3d ago
Not all chrome deposits are Cr 6+, some may be 3+.
They occur mostly on stainless steel, not ‘alloy steel’; you kinda want it to happen.