Naphthenic acids present in crude oils contribute to high-temperature corrosion. Corrosion caused by naphthenic acids generally occurs in the temperature range of 200-400 °C (400-750 °F). The use of inhibitors is a common corrosion mitigation strategy. Phosphorus based compounds are known to be effective in naphthenic acid corrosion control. However, some users have enforced limitations on phos phorous content, requiring application of phosphorus-free alternatives. In light of these restrictions, a systematic surface study of carbon steel surfaces treated with both phosphorous and non-phosphorus based corrosion inhibitors is proposed.

Surfaces of both treated and untreated carbon steel specimens were characterized via X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR FT-IR) spectroscopy. In addition, morphological data were obtained using Vertical Scanning Interferometry (VSI). Molecular modeling was used to correlate electronic properties of the inhibitors with their reactivity.

Subject
X-ray diffraction, Steel surfaces, Naphthenic acid, Metal surfaces, Carbon steel surfaces, Roughness, Protective scales, X-ray spectroscopy, Phosphorus, Scale formation, Corrosion inhibitors, Scale, Samples
Keywords:
naphthenic acid, corrosion inhibitor, carbon steel, XPS, VSI
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2009
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
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