Intergranular degradation of stainless steel tubular components used for kerosene transportation. Metallographic analysis

Abstract

The chemical interactions between the kerosene compounds and the stainless steel structure of the tubular components, through which kerosene is transported, develop a degradation phenomenon, causing intergranular contamination from the surface to the inner part (process based also on mass transport, i.e. diffusion at low temperatures). This is the most dangerous effect of chemical contamination, affecting the active section of the tubular components, which can reach a critical section, leading to catastrophic consequences in the operation of a jet engine. Metallographic analysis of the tubular components of such a jet engine, manufactured from stainless steel 12H18N10T, through which kerosene has been transported, come to confirm the intergranular contamination.