Recent research published in ‘Cailiao Baohu’ has unveiled critical insights into the corrosion behavior of Q235 steel heating pipelines, particularly focusing on the impact of various insulation layer materials. This study, led by a team from the Beijing District Heating Group Co., Ltd. and the Institute for Advanced Materials and Technology at the University of Science and Technology Beijing, highlights a pressing concern in the construction and heating industries: the durability and longevity of pipeline materials under corrosive conditions.
The research examined how different insulation materials, including polyurethane and two types of commercially available aerogels made from foam glass, influence the corrosion rates of Q235 steel. The findings were striking. While foam glass exhibited a wetting angle of approximately 43.8 degrees, making it more susceptible to water absorption, polyurethane and aerogel insulation layers maintained a much higher angle of 180 degrees. This difference is pivotal, as it directly correlates to the materials’ ability to resist moisture penetration and, consequently, corrosion.
“Under periodic immersion conditions, the corrosion rate of Q235 steel covered by foam glass was the fastest, significantly outpacing that of polyurethane and aerogel,” noted lead author Chen Fei. The corrosion rate for foam glass reached about 153.1 mg/(dm²·d), compared to 124.3 mg/(dm²·d) for polyurethane, with aerogels showing the lowest rates at 96.73 and 109.43 mg/(dm²·d). This stark contrast indicates that the choice of insulation material is not merely a technical specification but a crucial factor that can influence the operational efficiency and maintenance costs of heating pipelines.
The implications of this research extend beyond academic interest; they resonate deeply within the construction sector. With heating systems being a significant investment for residential and industrial applications, understanding how insulation materials affect corrosion can lead to more informed choices that enhance the lifespan of these systems. “Choosing the right insulation material can save companies both time and money in maintenance and replacement costs,” Chen emphasized, highlighting the commercial importance of these findings.
Moreover, the study revealed that samples covered with foam glass exhibited more severe corrosion, characterized by the presence of pits after rust removal, reinforcing the need for careful material selection in pipeline construction. The main corrosion product identified was Fe3O4, along with traces of Fe(OH)(SO4)(H2O)5 and FeCl2(OH)4, underscoring the complex chemical interactions that take place in these environments.
As the construction industry continues to evolve, this research may drive future innovations in insulation technologies, pushing manufacturers to develop materials that not only provide thermal efficiency but also robust protection against corrosion. The findings serve as a reminder that material science plays a pivotal role in the sustainability and performance of infrastructure, potentially influencing standards and regulations in the industry.
For more information on this groundbreaking research, visit Beijing District Heating Group Co., Ltd., where the lead authors are affiliated. As the construction sector grapples with the challenges of aging infrastructure and climate resilience, studies like this one pave the way for more durable, cost-effective solutions.
