Prevention of Internal SCC in Ethanol Pipelines

Abstract

Abstract There is significant interest within the pipeline industry in transporting fuel-grade ethanol (FGE) as a result of the increased usage of ethanol as an oxygenating agent for gasoline and interest in ethanol as an alternative fuel. Currently, FGE is transported primarily by railroad tanker cars, tanker trucks, and barges. Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) has been observed in carbon steels in contact with FGE ethanol in user terminals, storage tanks, and loading/unloading racks. This paper summarizes the results of recent research, funded by the Pipeline Research Council International (PRCI), in which methods for prevention of internal SCC in ethanol pipelines were evaluated. These methods included the addition of inhibitors and oxygen scavengers to the ethanol and other methods of deaeration.