The acidic water tank in the petrochemical sulfur unit failed within less than 1 year due to the use of epoxy phenolic coating
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The image below shows the failure of the coating on the inner wall of the acidic water tank in a sulfur recovery unit at a petrochemical company, where an epoxy phenolic coating (thickness greater than 250 microns) was used; the coating failed after less than 1 year of use.
The coating of this acidic water tank failed, mainly due to the insufficient acid resistance of the epoxy phenolic coating. Acidic water usually contains high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, carbon dioxide, and small amounts of cyanide; it is highly corrosive, and especially in an environment with wet hydrogen sulfide, it can cause bubbling and peeling of coatings. It is recommended to use heavy-duty anti-corrosion coatings with greater acid resistance and better adhesion, such as vinyl ester glass flake coatings or modified epoxy coatings, while ensuring strict surface treatment and quality control during application. .