A study on corrosion of distance piece on Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS) discharge water line

Abstract

An exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS) is a requisite in ships for complying with the IMO 2020 global sulfur limit requirements. However, corrosion in the distance piece between the EGCS overboard valve and ship hull can cause a large amount of seawater to enter the engine room. Although the distance piece is constructed according to an approved design employing steel piping with an epoxy coating, acidic wash water still comes into contact and reacts with the steel pipe. This is most likely caused by a defect in the epoxy coating or damage to the coating incurred during pipe installation. The results of this study show the importance of maintaining cleanliness during surface treatment and proper painting thickness during pipe installation. This study focuses on the importance of selecting the correct design and appropriate materials for the EGCS discharge water distance piece.