US3861876A

US3861876A - Constant temperature cold-end corrosion probe

Info

Publication number: US3861876A
Application number: US384072A
Authority: US
Inventors: Reed S Robertson; William R Watson
Original assignee: Nalco Chemical Co
Current assignee: ChampionX LLC
Priority date: 1973-07-30
Filing date: 1973-07-30
Publication date: 1975-01-21
Anticipated expiration: 1992-01-21
Also published as: CA1002777A

Abstract

Method and apparatus for determining the corrosion or acid deposition rate in the cold end of a boiler system, including a probe loop having an organic solvent circulating through the loop with a predetermined boiling temperature wherein the loop includes a removable specimen that can be tested for acid deposition or corrosion rate. Recirculation of the organic solvent maintains the surface temperature of the specimen within close limits approximating the maximum corrosion temperature.

Description

United States Patent [191 Robertson et al.

[451 Jan. 21, 1975 CONSTANT TEMPERATURE COLD-END CORROSION PROBE [75] Inventors: Reed S. Robertson, Glen Ellyn;

William R. Watson, Oaklawn, both of I11.

[73] Assignee: Nalco Chemical Company, Chicago,

Ill.

[22] Filed: July 30, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 384,072

[52] US. Cl. 23/230 C, 23/253 C, 73/86 [51] Int. Cl. G0ln 17/00 [58] Field of Search 23/230 C, 253 C', 73/86 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,834,858 5/1958 Schaschl 23/230 C 2,972,248 2/1961 Gerhardt 23/230 C 3,080,747 3/1963 Kerst 3,131,029 4/1964 Dieman.....

3,155,934 11/1964 Messick.....

3,259,461 7/1966 Griffin 23/230 C Manly 73/86 X Wilson 23/230 C OTHER PUBLICATIONS Chemical Abstracts, 68:5 1702s (1968).

Primary Examiner-Morris O. Wolk Assistant ExaminerSidney Marantz Attorney, Agent, or FirmL0ckwood, Dewey, Zickert & Alex [57] ABSTRACT 14 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures PATENTED m 2-: ms a; as 1 .876 SHEET 10F 2 CONSTANT TEMPERATURE COLD-END CORROSION PROBE This invention relates in general to a method and apparatus for measuring the acid deposition rate on metals and the corrosion rate of metals in the cold end of a boiler, and more particularly to a constant temperature cold-end corrosion probe for measuring the sulphuric acid corrosion rate of a flue gas stream of a boiler burning sulphur-containing fuel.

A major problem associated with burning residual fuel oil in boilers wherein the fuel oil contains sulphur concerns the corrosion of metal parts in the air heaters and economizers at the cold end of a boiler system wherein the corrosion is caused by the condensation of sulphuric acid from the flue gases onto metal surfaces of the air heaters or economizers at or below the acid dew point. Corrosion can be controlled through the use of fuel oil additives by reducing the amount of free acid formed, thereby lowering the acid dew point. An example of such a fuel oil additive is one called Nalco FIRE- SIDE 7250 made by Nalco Chemical Company of Chicago, Ill. Other remedies also may be employed for controlling sulphuric acid corrosion.

Heretofore, it has been well known to determine the degree of beneficial effect of a cold-end corrosion control treatment after a boiler has been shut down.

It has also been herertofore proposed to utilize a constant temperature corrosion probe for determining flue gas corrosion in a boiler system by liquid cooling a probe in a wet-leg assembly, as explained in the article written by R. W. Kear, appearing in the Journal of the Institute of Fuel (1959), pages 267-273. Difficulties encountered in this system include complexity of the probe assembly, limited circulation and temperature control, and the inability to conveniently obtain both acid deposition rate and corrosion rate at the same point within the gas stream.

The constant temperature cold-end temperature probe of the present invention overcomes the problems heretofore known in determining useful acid deposition and corrosion rates for establishing an efficient and meaningful corrosion treatment program for a boiler system to enhance the life of the cold-end equipment. The probe includes a pipe loop mountable in the flue gas stream and connected to a tank containing an organic solvent that will boil at the desired operating temperature of the pipe loop. A corrosion coupon or specimen is removably mounted in the pipe loop and continually cooled by the recirculation of the organic solvent from the tank. A water cooled cooling coil and a water cooled condensing coil in the tank maintains the temperature of the solvent below that of the boiling temperature to produce the necessary circulation so that the corrosion specimen is continually being maintained at a constant temperature. The acid deposition rate can be established by connecting the pipe loop to a source of cooling air and utilizing a satisfactory specimen, it being appreciated that the acid deposition rate is measured at the same location in the system as where the corrosion rate may be measured.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved method and apparatus for determining the corrosion rate of metals in the cold end of a boiler system during boiler operation to evaluate the corrosion control treatment program.

Another object of the present invention is in the provision of determining the corrosion rate of a metal in a boiler system through the use of cooled corrosion coupons maintained at a constant corroding temperature so that desired chemical treatment controlling cold-end corrosion can be ascertained.

A still further object of this invention resides in the provision of an apparatus for cooling a corrosion specimen in a boiler system for measuring corrosion rate which is simple in construction and reliable and which utilizes a solvent liquid-vapor loop within a flue gas stream having efficient and reliable temperature control.

A further object of this invention is in the provision of a method and apparatus for determining corrosivity of a flue gas stream in a boiler system which is capable of obtaining both acid deposition rate and corrosion rate at the same point within the flue gas stream.

A further object of this invention resides in the provision of a constant temperature cold-end corrosion probe for measuring corrosion in the flue gas stream of a boiler system which is generally self-contained and utilizes only a source of cooling water in the form of the usual tap water for effective operation.

A still further object of this invention is in the provision of a method and apparatus for inducing corrosion at one point in the flue gas stream of a boiler system by maintaining a corrosion specimen at a predetermined temperature in order to measure the corrosion that will take place downstream when the temperature reaches the predetermined temperature, thereby enhancing the evaluation of a corrosion control program.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts, in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of the constant temperature cold-end corrosion probe according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the condensing coil removed from the coolant tank of the probe assembly;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the condensing coil of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the cooling coil removed from the coolant tank of the probe assembly;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the cooling coil of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a somewhat diagrammatic view of the coolant tank to illustrate the flow of cooling water through the tank; and

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 1, but showing the probe assembly as connected to a source of cooling air for the purpose of measuring acid deposition rate.

The constant temperature cold-end corrosion probe of the invention is adapted to be installed in the flue gas stream where the temperature of the flue gas is preferably 300 F. or higher but less than about 650 F., this range of temperature being above the dew point temperature of the sulphuric acid or above the maximum corrosion temperature. The probe is cooled to a temperature below the dew point and where maximum corrosion usually occurs, such as about 250 F. for sulphuric acid. The probe is adapted to be operated to maintain a corrosion coupon on specimen at a constant temperature of about 250 F. for the duration of the test period.

A suitable hydrocarbon or organic solvent having a boiling temperature of about that which the coupon is to be cooled is recirculated through the coupon to maintain the surface temperature of the coupon within close limits. For example, where the maximum corrosion temperature is about 250 F., tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene) is recirculated through the probe to cool the specimen. The solvent is recirculated by cooling it in a tank outside of the flue gas stream to a temperature slightly below the boiling temperature. It has been established that a time period ranging from 20 to 30 days is optimum for obtaining representative corrosion rates in most boiler systems. However, it should be appreciated that the time period range of from to 40 days may be employed, depending upon the boiler characteristics and program objectives. At the conclusion of the test period, the specimen is weighed to determine the corrosion rate. Operation of the probe is automatic, only requiring the need for cooling water at the coolant tank. Accordingly, the probe provides a reliable method of indicating the rate of sulphuric acid corrosion in the cold end of boilers. However, it should also be appreciated that the probe may be used to obtain other types of corrosion rates in the cold end of boilers.

Moreover, it should be appreciated that the boiler system need not be shut down when evaluating a corrosion control treatment program, as the probe of the invention may easily be removed after a test period to measure the corrosion rate of the coupon.

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, the probe assembly of the invention, generally designated by the numeral 10, is illustrated as being mounted in a breeching wall 11 of a boiler system and preferably between the economizer and preheater, although it may be mounted at any place in the flue gas stream on the fireside of the boiler where the temperatures desired to be encountered are present. Particularly, the temperature must be above the dew point of the corroding agent or above the maximum corroding temperature so that the probe which includes a coupon or specimen can be cooled to a temperature below the acid dew point or at a temperature where maximum corrosion exists. A female fitting 12 of a pipe coupling is suitably welded into the breeching wall 11 to receive a male fitting or plug 13 of the pipe coupling which supports the probe assembly. The probe assembly includes a pipe loop 15 extending from the male fitting l3 and within the boiler system exposed to the flue gas stream, and a coolant tank 16 extending from the male fitting l3 and arranged outside of the flue gas stream. The coolant is circulated through the pipe loop 15 and cooled in the tank 16.

The pipe loop 15 includes upper and

lower pipe sections

20 and 21 of substantially the same length and which extend from the male fitting 13, an outer pipe section 22 having a loop 23, and a corrosion specimen or coupon 24. Accordingly, the

sections

20, 24 and

sections

21, 22 respectively define upper and lower runs.

Suitable pipe couplings

25 and 26 are provided between the ends of the corrosion coupon 24 and the outer pipe section 22 and the inner pipe section 20,

' while a suitable coupling 27 is provided between the inner pipe section 21 and the outer pipe section 22. Accordingly, when removing the corrosion coupon 24 from the pipe loop 15, it can easily be accomplished by loosening the

pipe couplings

25, 26 and 27 in order to remove the coupon and process it for corrosion data. Similarly, the coupon can be replaced or a new coupon can be inserted by manipulation of the

couplings

25, 26 and 27. It should be noted in FIG. 1 that the coupon is arranged adjacent the loop end of the probe so that the coupon is spaced from the breeching wall 11 and will be in a more direct position relative to the flue gas stream. Preferably, the specimen should be in the center of the stream. The pipe loop 15 is positioned so that the upper and lower runs or sections are arranged in a vertical plane. The coolant is recirculated through the pipe loop by flowing outwardly to the loop along the lower pipe section and returning to the tank through the upper pipe section as indicated by the

arrows

29 and 30. Moreover, it should be appreciated that the corrosion specimen 24 should be at the top as shown in FIG. 1.

The coolant tank 16 is provided with upper and

lower ports

34 and 35 for connection to upper and lower

short pipe sections

36 and 37 which are in turn connected to the male pipe fitting 13. The

ports

34 and 35 are adjacent the lower end of the tank and the coolant level represented by the dotted line 38 is above the upper port 34. A vapor coil or condensing coil 40 is suitably supported above the coolant level 38 within the coolant tank 16, functioning to extract most of the heat from the coolant and to convert the gas phase back to liquid phase. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the condensing coil 40 includes a plurality of superposed coil turns 41 having inlet and outlet ends 42 and 43 suitably connected to inlet and outlet water pipes 44 and 45. A condenser coil control valve 46 is provided in the outlet pipe to control the flow of cold water through the condensing coil 40 and the degree of cooling action desired. The majority of the heat removed from the coolant is removed by the condensing coil 40.

A liquid phase tempering coil 50 is also mounted within the coolant tank and at a level below the coolant level so that it is always within the liquid phase. The coil 50 includes inlet and outlet ends 51 and 52 which are connected to inlet and

outlet water pipes

53 and 54. A cooling coil controlling valve 55 controls the cold water flow through the cooling or tempering coil 50 and degree of cooling action desired. The inlet water pipes 44 and 53 are connected by a common pipe section 57, while the

outlet water pipes

45 and 54 are connected by a common water pipe section 58. Similarly, an inlet 59 is provided for the common water pipe section 57 while an outlet is provided for the common water section 58. The inlet 59 is connected to a suitable source of cold water while the outlet 60 is connected to a suitable drain. Accordingly, cold water is supplied to the coils 4 and 5 in order to provide a suitable cooling of the coolant during operation of the probe. A temperature gauge 62 is provided to register the temperature of the coolant within the tank, and as already indicated, it is preferable that the coolant in the tank be at least 15, and possibly as much as 50, degrees less than the boiling temperature of the coolant in order to assist in circulation of the coolant through the probe loop. Accordingly, the cold water supply would be adjusted with the

control valves

46 and 55 in order to obtain the desired temperature of the coolant within the tank. For purposes of registering the temperature of the flue gas within the stream, a thermocouple 64 is provided between the upper and lower sections of the probe loop and extending from the male fitting 13. A

suitable connection is provided at the outside of the furnace wall to connect the thermocouple to a temperature gauge 65. A drain valve 66 is provided at the bottom of the coolant tank 16 for draining the coolant from the tank when desired.

The corrosion specimen and coupon 24 would be of a suitable metal equivalent to that which is desired to obtain corrosion data information for evaluating the corrosion treatment program. For example, in the event that it is desired to determine what corrosion rate there would be for sulphuric acid in the flue gases, it would be preferable that the corrosion specimen be of a mild steel, such as 1010 to 1020. Where it is desired to determine the rate of sulphuric acid corrosion in the cold end of the boiler, and since it is known that maximum sulphuric acid corrosion usually occurs at about 250 F., the constant temperature cold-end corrosion probe of the invention is set up to operate with a corrosion coupon of mild steel and to be maintained at a constant temperature of 250 F. for the duration of the test period. While the corrosion specimen is of the type of metal subjected to corrosion, the remaining part of the pipe or probe loop is preferably of stainless steel. In this instance, the organic solvent used as a coolant would preferably be one having a boiling point of 250 F., such as tetrachloroethylene, which when recirculating will maintain the surface temperature of the corrosion specimen within close limits at this temperature. The solvent recirculates, thereby acting as a coolant because the density of the boiling liquid in the probe loop is less than the density of the cooler liquid in the tank 16. This difference creates a natural gravity flow through the probe. The temperature of the solvent within the tank is maintained at about 15 to 50 less than the boiling temperature of the coolant by adjustment of the cold water supply. Thereafter, the probe operates automatically. It can be appreciated that from time to time it is advisable to check the level of the coolant in the tank by viewing the sight glass 68 and maintaining the level of liquid coolant above the upper port 34 and also below the condensing coil 40. At the conclusion of the test period, the probe assembly can be removed from its mounting, so that the corrosion specimen may be disassembled from the probe loop, processed and suitably weighed to determine the corrosion rate for the test period. By knowing the corrosion rate, suitable remedies can be taken for reducing corrosion such as providing certain fuel oil additives for the fuel.

It can therefore be appreciated that the probe assembly provides a method of cooling a corrosion specimen where the specimen is exposed to a flue gas stream. The probe assembly cools the specimen to a predetermined temperature lower than that of the gas stream and at the maximum corrosion rate for the specimen. The method includes connecting the opposite ends of the corrosion specimen to vertically spaced upper and lower ports in the coolant tank which is located outside the flue gas stream and wherein a supply of liquid coolant is provided. Thereafter, the liquid coolant in the tank is subjected to a cooling action and maintained at a temperature lower than the boiling point of the coolant so that recirculation of the coolant through the corrosion specimen can be accomplished, and the corrosion specimen can be continually cooled and maintained at the maximum corrosion temperature.

When fully evaluating a corrosion treatment program, an acid deposition rate is first established by use of the probe assembly shown in FIG. 7 which differs from the probe assembly 10 of FIG. 1 only in that the probe loop is cooled by compressed air instead of a liquid coolant. The probe assembly includes upper and

lower pipe sections

72 and 73 extending from the pipe plug 74 mounted in the pipe fitting 75 of the breeching wall 76, an outer pipe section 77 having a loop 78 and a specimen or coupon 79 interconnected between the upper section 72 and the outer section 77 by

suitable couplings

80 and 81. A coupling 82 is provided between the lower section 73 and the outer section 77. The upper and

lower pipe sections

72 and 73 are connected through the pipe plug 74 to outer upper and

lower sections

83 and 84, which are in turn connected to an air inlet pipe section 85 and an air outlet pipe section 86 through pipe couplings or

unions

87 and 88. Air flow through the probe loop 71, and therefore the temperature of the loop, is controlled by the air inlet valve 89. Thermocouple conductors 90 are connected through the air inlet pipe to a thermocouple at the inside of the specimen 79 for measuring the skin temperature of the specimen. The conductors are also connected to a pyrometer 91 for registering the temperature.

The specimen 79 in this embodiment is of stainless steel. The time period for leaving the specimen subjected to the flue gases is less than that for a corrosion rate test by operating the specimen at various temperatures and taking measurements of acid deposition rate. The temperature where maximum deposition occurs can be determined and that is the same temperature where maximum corrosion is likely to occur so that the correct temperature for operating the corrosion testing probe of FIG. 1 is then determined. After running the specimen 79 for a time period, it is removed and the acid content per unit time for that temperature may be measured analytically by titration of the water wash-off of the acid. The acidity and sulphate content of the wash-off is measured analytically by any suitable means such as by titration, colormetric or other method.

Accordingly, it can be appreciated that the present invention provides a method and apparatus for inducing corrosion at a point in the flue gas stream by maintaining a specimen at a constant temperature where maximum corrosion occurs, thereby determining what corrosion will occur downstream when the temperature reaches the temperature of the specimen. Accordingly, the corrosion rate of the metal of concern is measured in order to determine what remedy can be utilized for reducing or minimizing corrosion and thereby enhancing the life of the cold end of the boiling system.

It will be understood that modifications and variations may be effected without departing from the scope of the novel concepts of the present invention, but it is understood that this application is to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

The invention is hereby claimed as follows:

1. A constant temperature cold-end corrosion probe for determining the corrosion rate of the flue gas stream in the cold end of a boiler, said probe comprising a pipe loop having an upper run and a lower run, said runs being arranged in a vertical plane and said loop adapted for installation in the flue gas stream having a tubular corrosion specimen, a tank mounted outside the flue gas stream and connected to both ends of said pipe loop at vertically spaced ports in the tank, an organic solvent type coolant in the tank having a boiling point about the same as that where maximum corrosion would occur for the specimen, and cooling means in the tank maintaining the coolant at a temperature below the boiling point thereby producing circulation through the pipe loop and maintaining the temperature of the specimen constant at about the boiling point of the coolant.

2. The combination as defined in claim 1, wherein the organic solvent level is above said ports, and said cooling means includes a condensing coil in the tank spaced above the solvent level, and means forcing a cooling media through the coil.

3. The combination as defined in claim 2, wherein said cooling means further includes a cooling coil in the tank positioned within the coolant, and means forcing a cooling media through the cooling coil.

4. The combination as defined in claim 3, and means removably connecting the specimen in the pipe loop.

5. A constant temperature cold-end corrosion probe for determining the rate of sulphuric acid corrosion caused by flue gases in the cold end of a sulphurcontaining fuel fired boiler, said probe comprising a corrosion specimen in the form of a metal pipe section adapted to be exposed to the flue gases of a temperature above the maximum corrosion temperature, a fitting in the breeching wall of the boiler, pipe sections connected to the specimen and extending from the fitting defining a pipe loop having an upper run and a lower run in which the specimen is located, said runs arranged in a vertical plane, a coolant tank outside the breeching wall having upper and lower coolant ports connected to the pipe loop, coolant in the tank at a level above said ports and having a boiling temperature of about the temperature desired for probe operation, and coolant cooling means including a condensing coil in the coolant tank above the coolant level connected to a source of circulating water of a temperature lower than the coolant boiling point to condense the coolant in a gaseous phase and cool the coolant to a temperature below its boiling point.

6. The combination as defined in claim 5, wherein the specimen is mounted in the upper run of the pipe loop.

7. The combination as defined in claim 6, wherein said coolant cooling means further includes a cooling coil positioned within the coolant and connected to said source of circulating water to temper the coolant.

8. Apparatus for determining the sulphuric acid deposition rate of a boiler flue gas stream produced by a sulphur-containing fuel fired boiler comprising a probe pipe loop having upper and lower runs extending horizontally and arranged in a vertical plane and having a removable specimen therein, a fitting in the breeching wall of the boiler, a pair of pipe sections extending through the fitting and at each side thereof the portions of which extend into the flue gas stream constitute part of said upper and lower runs, said specimen being a straight pipe section and defining a part of the upper run, a coupling connecting one end of the specimen to the upper run pipe section extending through said fitting, an interconnecting pipe section between the lower run pipe section extending through the fitting and the specimen including a straight portion extending from said lower run pipe section and defining a part of the lower run and a loop portion extending from said specimen, couplings connecting the loop portion of the interconnecting pipe section to the specimen and the straight portion thereof to the lower run pipe section, and means connected to the upper and lower run pipe sections outside the breeching wall for cooling the loop by forcing a cooling media through the loop.

9. A method of determining the corrosivity caused by the flue gas stream in the cold end of a boiler in terms of a corrosion rate, which method comprises the steps of weighing a tubular corrosion specimen, connecting the specimen in the upper run of a probe loop having an upper run and a lower run arranged in a vertical plane, positioning the probe loop within the flue gas stream of the boiler at a point where the temperature is above that where maximum corrosion occurs, connecting the probe loop to a coolant tank positioned outside the flue gas stream, filling the coolant tank with an organic solvent having a boiling point temperature where maximum corrosion occurs in the gas stream, cooling the solvent in the tank to a temperature below the boiling point temperature thereby causing recirculation of coolant in the probe loop, operating the cooling cycle for a test period, and removing and weighing the specimen to calculate the corrosion rate.

10. The method as defined in claim 9, wherein the step of positioning the probe loop within the gas stream includes positioning where the gas stream temperature is at least 300 F.

11. The method as defined in claim 9, wherein the step of cooling the solvent in the tank includes positioning a condensing coil above the liquid phase to condense the gaseous phase.

12. The method of determining the sulphuric acid corrosion rate of metal caused by a flue gas stream flowing through the cold end of a boiler fired by a sulphur-containing fuel, said method comprising weighing a corrosion specimen in the form of a tube of a metal for which the corrosion rate is desired, connecting the tube to pipe in the form of a loop defining a probe section having an upper run and a lower run arranged in a vertical plane, positioning the probe section in the boiler flue gas stream at a point where the temperature is above the temperature where maximum corrosion occurs to be wiped by the flue gas stream, connecting the probe section to a coolant tank having a condensing coil mounted therein, filling the coolant tank with an organic solvent having a boiling point about the same as where maximum corrosion exists to a level slightly below the condensing coil and subjecting the condensing coil to the cooling action of a cooling media, wherein boiling of the coolant in the probe causes constant recirculation between the tank and probe thereby continually cooling the probe and maintaining it at a constant corroding temperature.

13. The method as defined in claim 12, wherein the step of positioning the probe section in the flue gas stream includes subjecting the probe to a temperature of at least 300 F., and wherein the step of filling the tank with an organic solvent includes choosing a solvent having a boiling point of about 250 F.

14. The method of determining the sulphuric acid deposition rate of a boiler flue gas stream comprising the step of connecting a specimen to pipe in the form of a loop defining a probe section and having an upper run and a lower run arranged in a vertical plane, positioning the probe section in a flue gas stream having a temperature above that where acid deposition takes place, cooling the probe section to a temperature where maximum acid deposition takes place, removing the specimen following a test period, and measuring the acid deposition.

Claims

1. A CONSTANT TEMPERATURE COLD-END CORROSION PROBE FOR DETERMINING THE CORROSION RATE OF THE FLUE GAS STREAM IN THE COLD END OF A BOILER, SAID PROBE COMPRISING A PIPE LOOP HAVING AN UPPER RUN AND A LOWER RUN, SAID RUNS BEING ARRANGED IN A VERTICAL PLANE AND SAID LOOP ADAPTED FOR INSTALLATION IN THE FLUE GAS STREAM HAVING A TUBULAR CORROSION SPECIMEN, A TANK MOUNTED OUTSIDE THE FLUE GAS STREAM AND CONNECTED TO BOTH ENDS OF SAID PIPE LOOP COOLANT IN THE TANK HAVING A BOILING POINT ORGANIC SOLVENT TYPE COOLANT IN THE TANK HAVING A BOILING POINT ABOUT THE SAME AS THAT WHERE MAXIMUN CORROSION WOULD OCCUR FOR THE SPECIMEN, AND COOLING MEANS IN THE TANK MAINTAINING THE COOLANT AT A TEMPERATURE BELOW THE BOILING P0INT THEREBY PRODUCING CIRCULATION THROUGH THE PIPE LOOP AND MAINTINING THE TEMPERATURE OF THE SPECIMEN CONSTANT AT ABOOUT THE BOILING POINT OF THE COOLANT.

5. A constant temperature cold-end corrosion probe for determining the rate of sulphuric acid corrosion caused by flue gases in the cold end of a sulphur-containing fuel fired boiler, said probe comprising a corrosion specimen in the form of a metal pipe section adapted to be exposed to the flue gases of a temperature above the maximum corrosion temperature, a fitting in the breeching wall of the boiler, pipe sections connected to the specimen and extending from the fitting defining a pipe loop having an upper run and a lower run in which the specimen is located, said runs arranged in a vertical plane, a coolant tank outside the breeching wall having upper and lower coolant ports connected to the pipe loop, coolant in the tank at a level above said ports and having a bOiling temperature of about the temperature desired for probe operation, and coolant cooling means including a condensing coil in the coolant tank above the coolant level connected to a source of circulating water of a temperature lower than the coolant boiling point to condense the coolant in a gaseous phase and cool the coolant to a temperature below its boiling point.

10. The method as defined in claim 9, wherein the step of positioning the probe loop within the gas stream includes positioning where the gas stream temperature is at least 300* F.

13. The method as defined in claim 12, wherein the step of positioning the probe section in the flue gas stream includes subjecting the probe to a temperature of at least 300* F., and wherein the step of filling the tank with an organic solvent includes choosing a solvent having a boiling point of about 250* F.