Correlation of the corrosion rates of steels in a straw fired boiler with the thermodynamically predicted trend of KOH(g) in the flue gases

The thermodynamic stability of KOH(g) in flue gases without sulfur and chlorine compounds was studied. Relatively good correlation of the thermodynamically predicted trend of KOH(g) in the flue gases and the literature data of the corrosion rates of different steels in a straw fired boiler was found. A discussion on a possible, physically reasonable mechanism is also presented. However, the causality of the found correlation requires further studies.

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► Corrosion rates in a straw boiler correlate with the predicted trend of KOH(g).
► KOH(g) impinging the surface may be an important factor in corrosion in straw fired boilers.
► The proposed mechanism may be relevant also to other biomass fuels that release potassium hydroxide during combustion.