Stainless steel
Stainless steels have a long history of application in contact with water due to their excellent corrosion resistance. Applications include a range of conditions from plumbing, potable and waste water treatment to desalination. Types 304 and 316 stainless steels are standard materials of construction in contact with water. However, with increasing chloride contents higher alloyed stainless steels such as Type 2205 and super austenitic and super duplex stainless steels are utilized.
Rouging
Class I - stainless steel surface and the Cr/Fe ratio of the metal surface beneath such deposits usually remain unaltered.
Class II - Iron particles originating in-situ on unpassivated or improperly passivated stainless steel surfaces. By their formation the Cr/Fe ratio of the metal surface is altered.
Class III - Iron oxide (or scale) which forms on surfaces in high temperature steam systems. The Cr/Fe ratio of the protective film is usually altered.