New Frontiers Explored In Removing Black Powder

摘要

Black powder has become a more widely recognized hazard for safe and economic gas pipeline operation. Black powder is a generic name for small-particle ferrous corrosion by-product. Much discussion has been going on as to the causes and sources of the problem, but in general the following roots of the problem can be discerned: 1. Sour gas services. Higher levels of hydrogen sulfide cause the formation of iron-sulfides in the pipeline. 2. Moisture. Water that remains from the hydro test phase or that is present as a result of wet gas, leads to formation of iron-hydroxides and iron oxides in the pipeline. 3. Mill scale deterioration. In older and uncoated pipelines, mill scale may be of poor quality and in the process of pipe manufacturing disbondment may be initiated. Often in combination with moisture that accumulates in small cracks and pores of the steel, this phenomenon leads to formation of black powder particles.