What is a standard treatment to prevent embrittlement at pressures below 6200 kPa?

The standard treatment to prevent embrittlement at pressures below 6200 kPa is sodium nitrate. This compound serves as an effective corrosion inhibitor in boiler water and steam systems. It helps to maintain a stable pH level and reduces the chances of oxygen-related corrosion, which can lead to embrittlement over time. Sodium nitrate works by forming a protective layer on metal surfaces, thus helping to prevent the formation of harmful compounds that might contribute to the deterioration of the metal structure.

In water treatment processes, controlling the chemical composition and conditions within the boiler system is critical for maintaining the integrity of equipment. Sodium nitrate’s ability to inhibit the formation of caustic compounds is particularly important in preventing problems related to embrittlement, especially in low-pressure systems where the risk of oxygen pitting and corrosion can be higher without proper treatment.

This makes sodium nitrate a widely used and recognized treatment method in the power engineering field, especially at the specified operational pressures.