CASE HISTORIES OF AMINE PLANT EQUIPMENT CORROSION PROBLEMS

摘要

Corrosion in alkanolamine acid-gas removal plants is not limited to a single mechanism and can affect every piece of equipment in the process. As the gas processing industry has moved to tertiary methyl-diethanolamine (MDEA) formulations, many of the corrosion concerns observed with primary and secondary amines have been mitigated. However, some corrosion risks remain and must be considered during the design and operation of amine plants.rnThis paper includes six real-world case histories with examples of corrosion on reboilers, regenerators, and pumps in amine service. Multiple mechanisms for corrosion exist in amine plants and this paper will include examples of the following types: Pitting, Erosion, Galvanic, Selective Leaching, Stress and Fatigue Failure, Cavitation, and Fouling.rnIdentifying and correcting the causes of corrosion requires a multidisciplinary approach using multiple scientific tools including: chemistry, engineering design, metallurgy, x-ray inspection, and computer simulation. Each case history will explain the types of corrosion observed and the scientific concepts used to identify and resolve each type of corrosion.