Hydrogen embrittlement is a significant problem faced in various industrial processes, particularly those involving metals.
This phenomenon occurs when hydrogen infiltrates metal during manufacturing or from external environmental sources, causing the metal to become brittle and fracture over time. The occurrence of hydrogen embrittlement can lead to unexpected failures of metal components, posing safety and operational issues.
Supercritical water oxidation is a process used to effectively decompose organic compounds, including persistent environmental pollutants like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). This method involves heating water above its critical temperature and pressure to achieve a state where it acts as a powerful solvent capable of breaking down harmful chemicals. However, the use of supercritical water in these processes poses challenges, particularly concerning the integrity of the materials used in constructing the system’s components.
The Invention: Addressing Material Failures
During the testing of PFAS destruction using supercritical water oxidation, inventors at Revive Environmental Technology, LLC observed failures in the tubing used within the system. Subsequent metallurgical analysis indicated that hydrogen embrittlement was the culprit behind these failures. Recognizing the urgent need to address this issue, the inventors designed a method to modify the conditions under which these processes are carried out to minimize or prevent hydrogen embrittlement.
The core focus of the invention is on altering operational conditions to avoid the accumulation of hydrogen within the metals used in supercritical water systems. By tweaking certain parameters, the invention aims to improve the longevity and reliability of tubes and other components by reducing the metal’s susceptibility to hydrogen infiltration. This could involve adjusting the temperature, pressure, or even the chemical environment in which the materials operate.
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