| Summary: | The objective of the study was to evaluate the deterioration by corrosion of the tubes of a condenser, in contact with naphtha and residual water. Visual inspection revealed that the outer surface of the tubes was irregular, with abundant deposits and shallow cavities, which were attributed to the incidence of the acid corrosive medium. By Digital Multichannel Emission Spectrometry it was determined that the material of the tubes corresponds to a brass with a high zinc content, susceptible to densification and cracking under stress. Light microscopy revealed a biphasic structure and preferential dissolution of the β' phase. Electron microscopy and X-ray spectrometry techniques revealed a predominance of chemical elements in the deposits that are related to the formation of non-protective metal oxides and sulfides. The initial dissolution of the β´ phase and subsequent loss of the α phase, led to general corrosion.
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