Corrosion behavior analysis of an austenitic stainless steel exposed to fire

In December 2008, a fire broke out in a brewery in southeastern Brazil, burning seven fermentation tanks during their initial installation. The tanks were built entirely from austenitic stainless steel type 304 (SS 304) and were subjected to high temperatures during their approximately 90 min of exposure to the fire. The intensity of the fire and the length of time during which the tanks and components were exposed to its heat raised concerns about the possible metallurgical damage sustained by the SS 304 used in the construction of the tanks and components. This study investigates the corrosion performance of stainless steels after exposure to fire, and in particular discusses the approach adopted to evaluate the possible damage to the corrosion resistance of SS 304 caused by fire. The findings of this investigation indicate that, during their exposure to fire, the tanks underwent temperature excursions within the sensitization range, which changed the microstructure and corrosion properties of the SS 304 plates.

► Corrosion behavior of SS 304 plates exposed to real fire was investigated.
► The fire’s intense heat sensitized the SS 304 plates.
► The plates’ corrosion behavior was seriously impaired by exposure to fire.