Naphthenic Acid Corrosion by Venezuelan Crudes

Abstract

Abstract Venezuelan crudes can contain levels of naphthenic acids that cause corrosion in distillation units designed for sweet crudes. This naphthenic acid corrosion can be mitigated in several ways, the most common of which is selective alloying. This paper will provide information from field experience on how various refineries worldwide have upgraded materials to run Venezuelan crudes in a cost effective way.