Condensation in the KCl–NaCl system

Condensation of gaseous KCl and NaCl is known to participate in deposit formation and high temperature corrosion processes in heat and power plants. Little is known about interaction between the two salts, which is of interest for the overall understanding of deposit and corrosion problems. Within this study, condensation at different material surface temperatures and salt mixtures was investigated.Salt vapors were prepared by temperature controlled evaporation. A cooled condensation probe with a temperature gradient was inserted in the hot gas. After exposure, the probe surface was visually inspected and analyzed with SEM/EDS and XRD for elemental and phase composition. TGA/DTA was used to provide complementary information on vaporization and sintering.The results indicated that a mixture of KCl and NaCl probably condenses as separate phases at concentrations and temperatures below the melting points of the salts. Condensation was possibly followed by a secondary sintering process. It was verified by TGA/DTA that a mixture of solid KCl and NaCl particles sinters and melts rapidly at temperatures above the melting temperature of a corresponding solution. It was also seen that sintering took place at lower temperatures with slow solid-gas interactions, possibly with the formation of solid solutions.

► Phase composition of condensing KCl and NaCl was studied. ► The results are of relevance for aerosol and deposit modeling. ► Primary condensed particles from mixed KCl and NaCl probably consist of pure phases. ► Deposits consisting of pure phases may reform into a solution.