Why is the steel structure near petrochemical heating furnaces severely corroded?
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The following steel structure is one located near a petrochemical heating furnace; it shows the condition after 4 to 5 years of use following anti-corrosion treatment. Why is the corrosion so severe?
The severe corrosion of the steel structures surrounding petrochemical heating furnaces is mainly due to the following reasons: high temperature, high humidity, and chemical corrosion. These furnaces reach very high temperatures during operation, causing the steel structure to heat up, which accelerates the oxidation process of the metal materials. At the same time, there may be chemical leaks around the heating furnace, such as corrosive gases like hydrogen sulfide and hydrocarbons; these gases accelerate corrosion when they come into contact with metal. Furthermore, humidity in the environment can also cause corrosion of steel, especially when there are sudden temperature changes; moisture in the air condenses on the metal surface, creating an environment with greater corrosive properties. .
The atmospheric environment in petrochemical plants is characterized by acidic gases; especially in plants with high emissions of carbon dioxide and water vapor, corrosion is more severe
Additionally, if the petrochemical plant is located by the sea, salt spray corrosion is also severe.
The flue gas from heating furnaces contains large amounts of carbon dioxide, which turns into acid rain when it rains, causing severe corrosion