Valves for Brine / Sodium Chloride Solution Service
Brine (sodium chloride solution) is handled in chlor-alkali production, food processing, desalination, and produced water from oil wells. High chloride content (up to saturation at ~360 g/L) makes most austenitic stainless steels susceptible to pitting and crevice corrosion.
Pressure Range
1–100 bar
Temperature
Ambient to 90°C (process brine up to 150°C)
Industries
Desalination (RO, MSF, MED), Chlor-alkali production, Food (salt water processing)
Key Properties — Brine / Sodium Chloride Solution
- High chloride — austenitic SS susceptible to pitting above 5,000 ppm Cl⁻
- At saturation (~26% NaCl): highly aggressive to SS 316L at elevated temperature
- PREN (Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number) is the key material selection parameter
- Electrochemical corrosion accelerated at elevated temperature
- In oil production, produced water brine may also contain H₂S and CO₂
Material Compatibility — Brine / Sodium Chloride Solution
Ratings are indicative. Actual compatibility depends on concentration, temperature, velocity, and presence of contaminants. Always consult corrosion tables or a materials engineer.
| Material | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SS 316L | Fair | Acceptable only for dilute brine at ambient temperature. PREN 24 — borderline for high chloride. |
| Duplex 2205 (PREN ~35) | Good | Good for most brine concentrations at moderate temperature. |
| Super-Duplex 2507 (PREN ~43) | Excellent | Best metallic choice for saturated or hot brine. |
| Titanium Gr. 2 | Excellent | Immune to chloride attack — used in desalination brine service. |
| Carbon Steel | Poor | High corrosion rate in any brine concentration without inhibitor. |
| PTFE-lined | Excellent | Inert to brine at all concentrations. |
| Rubber-lined (EPDM) | Good | Good for saturated brine at ambient temperature. |
Recommended Valves
Super-duplex 2507 ball valve
High-concentration or hot brine — PREN > 40 required
Titanium ball valve
Desalination brine discharge — immune to chloride
PTFE-lined butterfly valve
Large bore, moderate-temperature brine systems
Duplex 2205 gate valve
Produced water (oil well brine) with H₂S and CO₂
Valves to Avoid
SS 316L in hot or concentrated brine
Carbon steel without coating and cathodic protection
Standard cast iron valves
Special Considerations
Applicable Standards
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