Effect of Ethanol Source on Stress Corrosion Cracking of Carbon Steel

Main Objective

Determine the stress corrosion cracking susceptibility of steels in ethanol from different sources.Develop an understanding of the factors that cause source to source to variation in the potency of ethanol towards corrosion/SCC.Identify parameters that can be used to determine the degree of potency of a given source of ethanol in causing SCC for transportability decisions.

Public Abstract

Pipeline transportation of ethanol is vital to the cost-effective delivery of this fuel to the end-users. One of the main concerns in the transportation of the ethanol is the potential for stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of steel in the presence of ethanol that can lead to ethanol leakage and release. Previous studies conducted by the project team have shown that the propensity of steel to crack varies significantly depending on the ethanol feedstock (corn, sugar cane, etc.), manufacturing method (wet or dry milling), and residence time. The propensity for SCC also may be different for future biofuels, such as propanol and butanol. There is a lack of knowledge regarding the components in the ethanol that could lead to such variability in SCC potency. This research project aims to identify the components in ethanol that may accelerate or mitigate SCC and develop a finger print for ethanol. The major benefit of the project is the development of the knowledge of components in ethanol that alter SCC susceptibility and the ability to fingerprint ethanol that will lead to informed decisions on the risk of transporting certain ethanol. An additional benefit is the identification of SCC inhibitors that may be naturally present in certain ethanol sources because such inhibitors have the least impact on end-use applications. This Consolidated Program consists of this project and Project 247 and Project 248.

Final Report

Final Report-WP323

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