Effect of Hot Hydrogen Sulfide Environments on Various Metals★,—A Contribution to the Work of NACE Task Group T-5B-2 on Sulfide Corrosion at High Temperatures and Pressures in the Petroleum Industry from Sinclair Research Laboratories, Inc., Harvey, III.*

Abstract

Abstract Sinclair platinum catalyst reformers and desulfurizers designed on corrosion rate data taken from literature and laboratory tests had low corrosion rates. However, scaling as a result of high temperature sulfide attack caused clogging and pressure drop. Plant and bench scale corrosion tests were made using specimens of various steels and alloys directly in catalyst beds. These tests showed that at hydrogen sulfide concentrations considered low only 18-8 stainless steel exhibited sufficient resistance for long time service. Test apparatus is described, procedure outlined and corrosion rates reported on tests made. Examples of scale formation are shown, constituents analyzed and explanation of scale phenomena offered. Tests resulted in decisions concerning additional equipment and pointed to certain alloys as desirable for service expected. Refinery corrosion tests of alloy steels and aluminum coated carbon steels were made and corrosion rates plotted, indicating that low chromium steels are satisfactory provided the hydrogen sulfide-hydrogen ratio is lower than 100 ppm. Aluminum coated steels proved to have marked resistance to attack with best results achieved with calorized coatings. Conclusions on proper material selection related to hydrogen sulfide concentration are given. 3.2.2