overhead amine regenerator air cooler corrosion

[0707]

Our overhead amine regenerator air cooler has experienced great corrosion on tubes and even on Header Box nozzles. We suspect that we are having great acidic corrosion from H2S + Oxygen + Carbon Dioxide. Tube material is A179, header box material is A516Gr60 and nozzle material is A333 Gr6.

Fluid is MEA+Steam+H2S Vapours. Inlet temperature is 107ºC. Outlet Temperature is 40ºC. Inlet nozzle is 10 Inch. Outlet nozzle is 8 Inch. We consider that amine solution velocity is not more than 1.8 m/s.

To resist to our acidic corrosion in this service air cooler what kind of metallurgy upgrade if any could we apply

An answer from the forum would be appreciated

Kind regards

Luis Marques

 

[SJones]

Firstly, take a look at API 571 for the potential damage mechanisms and their mitigation. Secondly, look at the process control and sampling analysis to ensure that everything is operating as it should be.

Steve Jones
Materials & Corrosion Engineer

http://www.pdo.co.om/pdo/