Under-Deposit Corrosion Risk in HRSG HP Evaporators

January 19, 2026

Instructor: Dan Dixon, P.E., Technical Leader II, EPRI

Under-deposit corrosion (UDC) remains one of the most serious chemistry-related tube failure mechanisms in HRSG high-pressure (HP) evaporators. It occurs when deposits on internal tube surfaces trap contaminants such as chlorides or sulfates, concentrating corrosive species and promoting localized attack of the base metal. Improper control of treatment chemicals, especially hydroxide or phosphate alkalizing agents, can further accelerate the process.

This session will review the mechanisms behind UDC formation, discuss how deposit loading and cycle-chemistry control interact to drive risk and examine diagnostic methods for early detection. Drawing on EPRI research, the instructor will outline current guidance for deposit sampling and chemical cleaning, highlighting where HRSG-specific updates to conventional drum-unit criteria are needed. Attendees will gain insights to strengthen their UDC prevention and cleaning strategies while minimizing outage impacts.