Galvanic corrosion of high alloyed austenitic stainless steel welds in LiBr systems

The corrosion behaviour of the austenitic stainless steel alloy 926 (UNS N08926) in its welded and non-welded condition as well as the galvanic corrosion generated by the base metal–welded metal pair have been studied by electrochemical methods. The materials have been exposed to highly concentrated LiBr solutions, which are used as absorbent in LiBr absorption refrigeration systems. The microstructure of the samples was studied by SEM and EDX analysis. The results show that galvanic corrosion between the pair is not severe in the studied conditions. The ratio between the galvanic current density of the pair and the corrosion current density of the uncoupled anode is less than 5, which implies compatibility of the members in the couple.