Corrosion of the oil-gas-heat water exchanger tube bundle in the distillation column top of petrochemical heavy oil catalytic units

Bro, your analysis of these reasons is spot-on! This is indeed the core issue behind the premature corrosion and failure of such heat exchangers. Here are a few practical approaches you can consider for handling this issue: First, recalculate the dew point temperature at the top of the distillation tower, and optimize the parameters for adding water and corrosion inhibitors, so as to keep the tube wall temperature above the dew point and reduce the formation of acidic water films ； Secondly, if the operating conditions are truly difficult to adjust, considering switching to a tube bundle material resistant to dew point corrosion, such as 08Cr2AlMo, is an option ； As a follow-up measure, an online corrosion monitoring device can be installed to periodically check the wall thickness and identify potential problems in advance. However, the specific plan still needs to take into account the actual operating conditions of your equipment; it’s better to consult professional equipment maintenance personnel for guidance.

Bro’s analysis and the approach he suggested are both very practical! This is indeed the key approach to addressing the premature corrosion and failure of such heat exchangers. Additionally, it is important to pay close attention to fluctuations in the composition of the oil and gas at the top of the distillation tower. It is also necessary to regularly check the pH level and chloride content of the water used for injection, in order to prevent abnormal water quality from accelerating corrosion of the tube bundles; such precautions can also help extend their service life. For specific adjustments, it is recommended to consult a professional maintenance team based on the actual operating conditions of your equipment.

During construction, pay attention to changes in process parameters and conduct thorough analysis