Abstract
Inasmuch as steam temperatures in modern central stations are approaching those used for the commercial production of hydrogen by reaction between steam and iron, an investigation was undertaken at Purdue University of the oxidation by steam of the various steels that are available for high-temperature steam service. Apparatus was constructed and techniques developed for measuring the amount of oxidation due to temperatures up to 1200 F and pressures up to at least 1600 lb gage. Data are presented showing the effect of temperature from 800 to 1200 F on the oxidation of low-carbon steel in contact with steam at 1200 lb gage. The rate of oxidation of low-carbon steel at 1100 F is apparently the same at 400 and 1200 lb steam pressure. Apparatus was developed for operating seven tubes simultaneously under identical conditions and data are presented to show the comparative oxidation of six steels of different analyses. The investigation is being continued.
