Stainless metallurgy selection

The metallurgy selected for construction of a firewater pump is dependent on the properties of the water source to be used. For fresh water sources (i.e., public water mains), cast iron is normally adequate although bronze internals may be optional. Brackish or sea water utilization will require the use of highly corrosion resistance materials and possibly coatings. Typically specified metals include alloy bronze, monnel, ni-resistant, or duplex stainless steels sometime combined with a corrosion resistant paint or specialized coating. 

The Fe-Cr-C Equilibrium Relationships in Stainless Steels. The metallurgical processes occurring in austenitic stainless steels causing susceptibility to intergranular corrosion (sensitization) and methods to either prevent or remove susceptibility, are illustrated by the physical metallurgy of the selected alloys in Table 7.5. These are all austenitic stainless steels, and after quenching from elevated temperatures are es-... 

The corrosion problems commonly associated with welding of anstenitic stainless steels are related to precipitation effects and chemical segregation. These problems can be eliminated or minimized through control of base metal metallurgy, control of the welding practice, and selection of the proper filler metal. 

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