Corrosion in Refinery Amine Systems

Abstract

Abstract The causes and the prevention of carbon steel corrosion in refinery amine systems are reviewed. The corrosive agents are acid gases, ammonia, oxygen, heat stable salts, and amine degradation products. Corrosion mechanisms are provided for carbon steel exposed to amine solutions and for overhead systems containing aqueous condensate. Corrosion is prevented by purification of amines and feed gases, corrosion inhibitors, use of corrosion resistant materials in selected locations, and modification of process variables. Different modes of carbon steel cracking in amine service are also discussed along with measures for their mitigation.