Corrosion of Mercury-Boiler Tubes During Combustion of a Heavy Residual Oil

Tube wastage in the mercury boiler at the South Meadow Station of the Hartford Electric Light Company became so serious after 3076 hours of operation that it was necessary to reduce the rating from its 15,000-kw capacity to 13,500 kw. On June 1, 1950, the company engaged Battelle Memorial Institute to study the problem. Two approaches were considered: (a) Reduction of tube wastage to an acceptable rate by covering the tubes with a suitable protective coating; and (b) reduction of the corrosiveness of the combustion products of the fuel to an acceptable level by making a special addition to the fuel. The test procedure and results are given in the paper.