SOUR GAS DEHYDRATION SYSTEM: CORROSIVITY AND SELECTION IN THE PRESENCE OF ELEMENTAL SULFUR

摘要

Elemental sulfur deposition is becoming of a major concern in sour gas handling facilities due to corrosion occurring and blockage problems. Under certain conditions, the processing of sour gas can result in precipitation of elemental sulfur. The source of the precipitated elemental sulfur varies depending on the gas reservoir, processing parameters, and the specific treatment technology used in the system. This paper presents the work conducted to assess the impact of elemental sulfur in the proper selection of a gas dehydration system. Corrosion study on liquid dehydration systems was conducted in the presence of water and elemental sulfur. In addition to laboratory work, field experiments were performed to simulate real operating conditions in terms of sulfur deposition using two different dehydration systems. The results showed that the corrosivity of the selected liquid dehydration system indicated a general corrosion rate of carbon steel, calculated by weight loss, averages less than 3-mpy (mils per year).