HTC is the Swedish national competence center for high temperature corrosion and is financed by the Swedish National Energy Administration, Chalmers University of Technology and the twelve member companies.
The Problem
In many cases high temperature corrosion is an obstacle to the development of new, energy-saving and environmentally friendly techniques and processes. One example is the severe corrosion problems suffered by steam superheater tubes in biomass-based electricity-generating plants. Theses problems are "solved" by decreasing the maximum steam temperature in the plant, resulting in a decreased energy efficiency and poorer plant economy. In this way, high temperature corrosion hinders the development of this source for renewable energy. One aim of HTC research is to help solve the superheater corrosion problem so that the steam temperature can be increased, improving plant economy.
Swedish companies are world-leading manufacturers of high temperature materials. Swedish companies are also leading producers of jet engines, stationary gas turbines, power plants and diesel engines. The competitiveness of these companies is strengthened by a strong Swedish research effort in high temperature corrosion.
The Goal
HTC research has the following objectives:
- Improved materials performance resulting in increased service life for installations and leading to lower maintenance and repair costs.
- Improved process performance resulting in improved energy efficiency and reduced emissions to the environment
To achieve this, HTC research aims to establish new, fundamental knowledge of high temperature corrosion.
The Strategy
- HTC research is technologically relevant and is at the cutting edge of science. HTC research is published in international, refereed publications. Most of the research is carried out in the form of PhD projects.
- HTC is an integral part of the university
- HTC creates a concentrated research environment at the university with active, long-term involvement from industry. The projects feature co-operation between scientists from different fields and between companies.
- HTC improves skills and expertise within Sweden. PhDs and licentiate degrees are awarded and courses in high temperature corrosion are organized.
Research program
HTC research focuses on the mechanisms of high-temperature corrosion.
The following research themes are pursued:
- High temperature corrosion in combustion gases and under deposits
- Interaction of corrosion and mechanical factors such as erosion and fatigue
- High temperature corrosion of ceramics