Managing High-Temperature Corrosion During High-Acid Crude Processing

The refinery associated more severe high-temperature corrosion concerns with processing higher-acid crude. Elevated iron levels were reported in a vacuum-distillation side stream. The site sought a treatment approach suited to the affected equipment and operating conditions.

The assessment needed to connect corrosion history with operating temperatures and equipment metallurgy. Crude acidity and stream iron measurements provided useful context, while equipment condition required consideration of the refinery’s wider corrosion-monitoring information.

Cestoil and refinery personnel reviewed corrosion history, temperatures and materials of construction. The case assessment identified conditions consistent with naphthenic-acid corrosion, and an inhibitor treatment was introduced. Iron levels and acid value were followed during the operating evaluation.

The case account reports a decline in the monitored iron indicator while acid value remained comparatively steady over the displayed period. Iron was an indicator in this evaluation, not a direct measurement of corrosion rate. Its interpretation should remain linked to sampling conditions and equipment monitoring.

For a comparable application, selection should address the specific streams, temperature profile and metallurgy. Iron trends should be reviewed alongside inspection and corrosion-monitoring information. Changes in crude slate or operating conditions warrant renewed assessment of the treatment program.