Sulfur corrosion is usually associated with high H2S systems but sulfur can also be deposited in systems containing small amounts of H2S under conditions where oxygen is allowed to enter the gas stream. Oxygen ingress may be due to air drawn in by elements such as compressors or vapour recovery units on oil tanks or may be carried in by methanol injected for hydrate control. The solubility of oxygen in methanol is significantly higher than in water and sufficient amounts can be present to react with H2S and deposit elemental sulfur. Case histories are presented where this has led to failures in pipelines and downhole equipment.

Subject
Pits, Sulfur, Corrosion failures, Water, Piping, Corrosion attacks, Corrosion inhibitors, Elemental sulfur, Oxygen, Methanol, Deposit corrosion, Chemical reactions, Cleaning
Keywords:
Sulfur, sour gas, methanol, oxygen, vapor recovery unit, line failure
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2011
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
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