Optimizing the performance of materials in FBC conditions using erosion-corrosion wastage and materials performance maps

The mechanism of wastage of in-bed heat exchanger tubes in fluidized bed combustion conditions is possibly the least well understood area in high temperature erosion/abrasion. There have been many attempts to simulate the wastage process. Yet, an understanding of the causes of the very distinctive pattern of wastage with temperature is still elusive. The purpose of this paper is to review recent literature on wastage of materials in FBCs. The possible arguments for the differences between the results for laboratory and plant studies environments are discussed critically. Some critical issues which still remain to be resolved are also addressed. The results from laboratory data from a range of research groups are used to construct erosion-corrosion 'wastage' regime maps and materials performance maps. The use of such maps to optimize process parameters and to provide a basis for materials selection is outlined. The application of materials mapping approaches to elevated temperature erosion in advanced power plants is described.