Summary
Flow accelerated corrosion (FAC) is a phenomenon where metal dissolution occurs in boiler feed water / condensate systems in areas of high liquid / wall shear stress and under certain process conditions. It affects mainly carbon steel at temperatures typically found in boiler feed water systems. It differs from erosion corrosion in that the metals are dissolved away from the surface rather than being mechanically removed. However, the result is similar in that the reaction results in wall thinning of piping and equipment components in high velocity and/or turbulent areas.
FAC is usually associated with high purity, low oxygen steam condensate and the dissolution of the protective oxide film by localised turbulence.