Understanding Corroded Stainless Steel Liners
Stainless steel liners include various types, from rigid insulated systems to flexible flue liners, available in grades like 316 and 904L.
The higher grades have more chromium in the steel. However, over time, these liners can deteriorate and become perforated.
Causes of Corroded Stainless Steel Liners
Stainless steel flue liners are designed for many situations, but some fuels and uses can create very corrosive conditions. Biomass boilers burning waste materials produce a lot of HCl condensate in the flue, causing rapid corrosion.
Using fuels high in sulphates, like house coal, also creates highly acidic conditions in the flue, leading to quick corrosion and failure of the liner, which then needs replacing.
Corrosion can also happen if a stainless steel liner is put into an old masonry flue with acidic salts built up. This often occurs in flues used for a long time with solid fuels. Fuels with high sulphates, like house coal, make the conditions inside the masonry flue very acidic, quickly corroding the stainless steel liners.
Remedial Measures
Here at Chimney Flue Engineers, we offer an array of relining existing stainless steel flue systems, such as the Midtherm lining systems, or alternative replacements like the Isokern Lining Systems. These solutions aim to mitigate the issues of corrosion, ensuring the longevity and integrity of the flue systems.
Contact us via phone on 0118 970 1717 or email info@chimneyflueengineers.co.uk
