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Extensive work was carried out to improve the performance of cast irons used for slurry transport in the oil sands industry. Because of complex condition of the multi-phase fluid containing oil sand particles, erosion-corrosion damage has long been an issue. High chromium cast irons (HCCIs) are currently used for slurry pumps, showing high resistance to sand-containing slurry erosion. However, further enhanced HCCIs are highly desired in order to more effectively reduce the damage to oil sand slurry transport facilities caused by erosion-corrosion for prolonged service life. This study was focused on tailoring an existing HCCI used in the oil sands industry by adding trace boron. Microstructure and relevant properties of the modified cast irons were characterized and evaluated. It was demonstrated that trace boron markedly increased the resistance of the cast iron to slurry erosion. The mechanism responsible for the improvement was analyzed based on observed variations in microstructure and properties.
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