Corrosion Rate Rule

Definition

The field rule of thumb that corrosion rates roughly double for every 18 degree F (10 degree C) increase in temperature. It explains why hot oxygenated water is so destructive.

As feedwater heats, the oxygen that remains reacts far more aggressively with metal surfaces. Combined with the slower drop in oxygen solubility, this produces the temperature paradox where corrosion potential is amplified through the intermediate temperature range. The rule lets technicians estimate how dangerous a cold deaerator running at 150 degrees F really is.

Related concepts

Temperature paradox · Dissolved Oxygen · Oxygen Scavenger

---

Part of The Blueprint of Water · ⚡ electrochemistry