In this survey report oil high temperature catalytic reformer corrosion, published and privately transmitted corrosion data are compiled and summarized. The data, contributed by 15 petroleum refining companies, comprise results obtained from laboratory, pilot plant, and commercial plant corrosion studies, as well as inspection measurements on operating equipment. Correlations directly applicable to equipment design are presented.
The corrosion is attributed to small quantities of hydrogen sulfide present in the hot hydrogen rich gas mixtures. The principal variables affecting the rate of attack are temperature and hydrogen sulfide concentration. Other factors such as pressure, hydrogen content, time of exposure, cycling conditions and scale properties also are discussed in relation to their effect on corrosion.
The data show conclusively that carbon and chrome-moly steels are equally susceptible to sulfide attack. The intermediate straight chrome steels (11 percent to 16 percent Cr) show a moderate but generally unreliable degree of improvement. The austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steels have good resistance. Aluminum coatings applied by dipping, spraying or diffusion methods exhibit outstanding corrosion resisting properties, provided the coating is continuous and remains firmly bonded to the steel.
The paper concludes with a general review of catalytic reformer corrosion problems, including a brief discussion of corrosion mitigation by hydrogen sulfide removal (amine treating) or catalytic desulfurization of the feed. 8.4.3
