Flow Accelerated Corrosion primarily occurs due to what type of flow condition?

Flow Accelerated Corrosion (FAC) primarily occurs due to excessive turbulence and shear stresses. This phenomenon arises in areas where the flow of water or other fluids is highly turbulent, leading to higher velocities hitting the surfaces of piping and equipment. The turbulence increases the wear and abrasion on the material, which can accelerate the dissolution of the protective oxide layers that typically form on metal surfaces.

When high shear stresses are involved, they can disrupt these protective layers, making the underlying metal more susceptible to corrosion. FAC is commonly observed in areas like bends, fittings, or valves, where the flow is forced to change direction, causing increased turbulence. Maintaining proper flow conditions and understanding how turbulence affects the systems becomes essential for preventing premature failure due to corrosion.