ASTM E712-80(1996)

Standard Practice for Laboratory Screening of Metallic Containment Materials for Use With Liquids in Solar Heating and Cooling Systems

SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes several laboratory test procedures for evaluating corrosion performance of metallic containment materials under conditions similar to those that may occur in solar heating and cooling systems. All test results relate to the performance of the metallic containment material only as a part of a metal/fluid pair. Performance in these laboratory test procedures, taken by itself, does not necessarily constitute an adequate basis for acceptance or rejection of a particular metal/fluid pair in solar heating and cooling systems, either in general or in a particular design. This practice is not intended to preclude the use of other screening tests, particularly when those tests are designed to more closely simulate field service conditions.  
1.2 This practice describes apparatus and procedures for several tests, any one or more of which may be used to evaluate the deterioration of the metallic containment material in a metal/fluid pair. The procedures are designed to permit simulation, heating, and cooling systems including ( ) operating full flow, ( ) stagnant full, ( ) stagnant partial fill, and ( ) stagnant empty. Particular attention should be directed to properly reflecting whether the system is open or closed to atmosphere.  
1.3 This practice covers the following six tests: Practice A Basic Immersion Test at Atmospheric Pressure Practice B Heat-Rejecting Surface Test at Atmospheric Pressure Practice C High-Pressure Test Practice D Repeated Dip Dry Test at Atmospheric Pressure Practice E Crevice Test at Atmospheric Pressure Practice F Tube Loop Test at Atmospheric Pressure
1.4 Practice A is concerned with the interaction of metal and fluid when both are at the same temperature with no heat transfer from one to the other. It is regarded as useful for plumbing, pumps, tanking, etc., but of less significance, taken by itself, for collector panels. Practices B and F are concerned with the deterioration of the metal when there is transfer of heat from the metal into the heat transfer fluid. These practices are especially applicable to the collector panel. Practice C permits a variety of tests but is especially useful in relation to systems that experience high temperatures, or are closed to the atmosphere. Practices D and E evaluate specific corrosion problems that may be associated with particular metal/fluid pairs and particular designs of systems and components.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-1995
• Technical Committee: E44 - Solar, Geothermal and Other Alternative Energy Sources

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM E712-80(2003) - Standard Practice for Laboratory Screening of Metallic Containment Materials for Use With Liquids in Solar Heating and Cooling Systems
• Effective Date: 05-Feb-1980

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: E 712 – 80 (Reapproved 1996)
Standard Practice for
Laboratory Screening of Metallic Containment Materials for
Use With Liquids in Solar Heating and Cooling Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 712; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope that experience high temperatures, or are closed to the atmo-
sphere. Practices D and E evaluate specific corrosion problems
1.1 This practice covers several laboratory test procedures
that may be associated with particular metal/fluid pairs and
for evaluating corrosion performance of metallic containment
particular designs of systems and components.
materials under conditions similar to those that may occur in
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
solar heating and cooling systems. All test results relate to the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
performance of the metallic containment material only as a part
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
of a metal/fluid pair. Performance in these laboratory test
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
procedures, taken by itself, does not necessarily constitute an
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
adequate basis for acceptance or rejection of a particular
metal/fluid pair in solar heating and cooling systems, either in
2. Referenced Documents
general or in a particular design. This practice is not intended
2.1 ASTM Standards:
to preclude the use of other screening tests, particularly when
D 1384 Test Method for Corrosion Test for Engine Coolants
those tests are designed to more closely simulate field service
in Glassware
conditions.
G 1 Practice for Preparing, Cleaning, and Evaluating Cor-
1.2 This practice describes apparatus and procedures for
rosion Test Specimens
several tests, any one or more of which may be used to evaluate
G 48 Test Methods for Pitting and Crevice Corrosion Re-
the deterioration of the metallic containment material in a
sistance of Stainless Steels and Related Alloys by the Use
metal/fluid pair. The procedures are designed to permit simu-
of Ferric Chloride Solution
lation, heating, and cooling systems including (1) operating full
flow, (2) stagnant full, (3) stagnant partial fill, and (4) stagnant
3. Significance and Use
empty. Particular attention should be directed to properly
3.1 At this time, none of these tests has been demonstrated
reflecting whether the system is open or closed to atmosphere.
to correlate with field service.
1.3 This practice covers the following six tests:
3.2 It is essential that consideration be given to the appro-
Practice A Basic Immersion Test at Atmospheric Pressure
priate pairing of metal and fluid since these procedures do not
Practice B Heat-Rejecting Surface Test at Atmospheric Pressure
Practice C High-Pressure Test
restrict the selection of either the containment material or the
Practice D Repeated Dip Dry Test at Atmospheric Pressure
fluid for testing. Likewise, knowledge of the corrosion protec-
Practice E Crevice Test at Atmospheric Pressure
tion mechanism and the probable mode of failure of a
Practice F Tube Loop Test at Atmospheric Pressure
particular metal is helpful in the selection of test conditions and
1.4 Practice A is concerned with the interaction of metal and
the observation, interpretation, and reporting of test results.
fluid when both are at the same temperature with no heat
3.3 The design of solar heating and cooling systems
transfer from one to the other. It is regarded as useful for
strongly affects the applicability of the results of the laboratory
plumbing, pumps, tanking, etc., but of less significance, taken
screening tests. Therefore, the results of these laboratory
by itself, for collector panels. Practices B and F are concerned
procedures should be confirmed by component and systems
with the deterioration of the metal when there is transfer of heat
testing under actual or simulated service conditions.
from the metal into the heat transfer fluid. These practices are
3.4 Table 1 is provided to assist in an orderly consideration
especially applicable to the collector panel. Practice C permits
of the important factors in testing. It is expected that the user
a variety of tests but is especially useful in relation to systems
of the test procedure will investigate a range of test times and
temperatures for the containment material in a metal/fluid pair,
and adjust the time and temperature of testing as necessary.
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E44 on
Solar, Geothermal, and Other Alternative Energy Sources and is the direct
responsibility of Subcommittee E44.05 on Solar Heating and Cooling Subsystems
and Systems. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.05.
Current edition approved Feb. 5, 1980. Published April 1980. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.02.
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
E 712
A
TABLE 1 Significant Variables in Evaluation of Containment Material/Heat Transfer Fluid Pairs
Variable
Test Aspect
Temperature Flow Rate
I. Operating Conditions of System:
A. Operating, full flow normal operating normal operating
B. Stagnant, full fluid boiling point without pressurization or no-flow temperature with pressurization convection
C. Stagnant, partial fill same as stagnant, full convection
D. Stagnant, empty no-flow temperature not applicable
II. Test Specimen Design A. flat metal couple
B. metal couple with crevice
C. dissimilar metal couple
D. dissimilar metal couple with crevice
III. Fluid Type A. fluid intended for use in system
B. fluid pretreated by thermal exposure or chemical contamination
IV. Test Cycle A. long time, constant temperature
B. cycles of heating, holding, and cooling
C. cycles of operating full flow, and stagnation
D. cycles of wetting and drying
A
In this table, the subdivisions are not necessarily related in correspondence to their lettering.
NOTE 1—Corrosion, whether general or localized, is a time-dependent
4.3 Particular attention shall be directed to avoidance of
phenomenon. This time dependence can show substantial nonlinearity. For
materials, fluids, or metal/fluid pairs that can be hazardous to
example, formation of a protective oxide will diminish corrosion with
the operator. The flammability, vapor pressure, and toxicity of
time, while certain forms of localized attack accelerate with time. The
the heat-transfer fluid shall be known prior to initiation of
minimum time required for a test to provide a corrosion rate that can be
testing and appropriate precautionary measures shall be taken
extrapolated for the prediction of long-term performance varies widely,
to ensure the safety of all test personnel.
depending on the selection of metal and fluid, and on the form of corrosion
attack. Therefore, it is not possible to establish a single minimum length
5. Sampling and Test Specimens
of test applicable to all materials and conditions. However, it is recom-
mended that for the tests described in this practice, a test period of no less
5.1 The test specimens shall be selected from material that
than 30 days be used. Furthermore, it is recommended that the effect of
may reasonably represent that material as it would be applied
time of testing be evaluated to detect any significant time dependence of
in a solar heating and cooling system.
corrosion attack.
5.2 For laboratory corrosion tests that simulate exposure to
3.5 It is essential for the meaningful application of these
service environments, a commercial surface, such as a mill
procedures that the length of the test be adequate to detect
finish, closely resembling the one that would be used in
changes in the nature of the fluid that might significantly alter
service, will yield the most significant results. For more
the corrosivity of the fluid. For example, exhaustion of
searching tests of either the metal or the environment, standard
chemical inhibitor or chemical breakdown of the fluid may
surface finishes may be preferred. Ideally, the surface finish
occur after periods of months in selected cycles of operation.
should be recorded in surface roughness terms, such as rms
inches.
NOTE 2—Many fluids that may be considered for solar applications
contain additives to minimize the corrosivity of the fluid. Many such
5.3 General Cleaning:
additives are useful only within a specific concentration range, and some
5.3.1 General cleaning may be accomplished with a wide
additives may actually accelerate corrosion if the concentration falls
variety of cleaning media. Water-based cleaners should be
below a critical level. Depletion kinetics can be a strong function of the
followed by an alcohol dip after thorough rinsing. Solvent
exposed metal surface area. Therefore, for tests involving fluids with such
cleaners such as petroleum fractions, aromatic hydrocarbons,
additives, consideration must be given to the ratio of metal surface area to
and chlorinated hydrocarbons are generally acceptable. Chlo-
fluid volume as it may relate to an operating system.
rinated solvents, however, should not be used on titanium,
4. Selection of Materials and Reagents
stainless steel, or aluminum. Mechanical cleaning of very
4.1 Any metallic material may be selected for evaluation. smooth surfaces may be accomplished by the use of a paste of
The material shall be capable of being described with sufficient magnesium oxide or alumina.
accuracy to permit reproduction of the test. 5.3.2 Any of the methods suitable for cleaning a given
4.2 Any heat-transfer fluid may be selected for evaluation. corroded specimen may be used to complete the cleaning of
However, it is expected that the fluid will be selected with specimens prior to test, provided that they do not cause
consideration given to possible interactions of material and localized attack. The cleaned specimens should be measured
fluid under the conditions of testing. The fluid should be and weighed. Dimensions determined to the third significant
capable of being described chemically, as to its basic compo- figure and mass determined in the fifth significant figure are
nents and the presence or absence of minor components that usually satisfactory.
affect the interaction with the metal. It is permitted to precon- 5.4 Metallurgical Condition—Specimen preparation may
dition the fluid before testing. Any such preconditioning change the metallurgical condition of the metal. For example,
treatment shall be described in the report. shearing a specimen to size will cold-work and possibly
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
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E 712
fracture the edges. The specimen may be tested in this 100 parts, antimonious oxide—2 parts, stannous chloride—5
condition if it is believed that such a condition may be parts) for up to 25 min. Solution may be cold, but it should be
encountered in service. In this case, the condition shall be stirred vigorously.
described in the report of results. However, it is recommended 5.7.4.3 Remove scales formed on steel under oxidizing
that changes in metallurgical condition be corrected for cus- conditions in 15 vol % concentrated phosphoric acid contain-
tomary testing. For example, sheared edges should be ma- ing 0.15 vol % of organic inhibitor at room temperature.
chined or the specimen annealed. 5.7.4.4 Clean stainless steel in 20 % nitric acid at 60°C
5.5 Alternative specimen designs, particularly those incor- (140°F) for 20 min.
porating crevices or metal couplings as may be encountered in 5.7.4.5 In place of chemical cleaning use a brass scraper or
application, are recommended. brass bristle brush, or both, followed by scrubbing with a wet
5.6 For many metals, electrolytic cleaning is a satisfactory bristle brush and fine scouring powder.
method for cleaning after testing. The following method is
NOTE 5—Such vigorous mechanical cleaning is applicable when mass
typical:
loss is large and hence errors in mass loss will produce only small errors
5.6.1 After scrubbing to remove loosely attached corrosion
in corrosion rates. Blank corrections will be difficult to apply.
products, treat the specimen as a cathode in hot, dilute sulfuric
5.7.4.6 Other methods of cleaning iron and steel include
acid under the following conditions.
immersion in hot sodium hydride, and cathodic pickling in
5.6.1.1 Electrolyte— Sulfuric acid (H SO ) (5 mass %).
2 4
molten caustic soda.
5.6.1.2 Inhibitor—0.2 vol % of organic inhibitor (see Note
NOTE 6—These methods may be hazardous to personnel. They should
3).
not be carried out by untrained personnel or without supervision.
5.6.1.3 Anode—Carbon or lead (see Note 4).
5.6.1.4 Cathode—Test specimen.
5.7.5 After cleaning and thorough rinsing, dry and weigh
5.6.1.5 Cathode Current Density—2000 A/m .
the samples.
5.6.1.6 Temperature— 75°C (165°F).
5.6.1.7 Exposure Period— 3 min. 6. Calculations and Interpretation of Results
6.1 The deterioration of the containment material shall be
NOTE 3—Instead of using 0.2 vol % of any proprietary inhibitor and 0.5
kg/m of inhibitors such as diorthotolyl thiourea, quinoline ethiodide or determined by measurement of mass loss and by examination
betanaphtol quinoline may be used.
at 103 magnification for incidence of localized attack.
NOTE 4—If lead anodes are used, lead may deposit on the specimen and
6.1.1 Whichever cleaning method is used, the possibility of
cause an error in the mass loss. If the specimen is resistant to nitric acid,
removal of solid metal is present. Such removal would result in
the lead may be removed by a flash dip in 1 + 1 nitric acid. Except for the
error in the determination of the corrosion rate. One or more
possible source of error, lead is preferred as an anode as it gives more
cleaned and weighed specimens should be recleaned by the
efficient corrosion product removal.
same method and reweighed. Loss due to this second weighing
5.6.2 After the electrolytic treatment, scrub the specimens
may be used as a correction of the first one.
with a brush, rinse thoroughly, and dry.
NOTE 7—The use of suitable inhibitors will diminish the attack and will
5.6.3 It should be noted that this electrolytic treatm
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