Corrosion of the outer wall of the tube bundle in the water cooler at the top of the fractionation tower in catalytic cracking units
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During previous maintenance operations, no abnormalities were detected in the top cooler of the fractionation tower in our plant’s catalytic cracking unit. However, after switching to the MIP process, severe corrosion was found on the outer walls of the water cooler tubes during this year’s maintenance; furthermore, spontaneous combustion of ferrous sulfide occurred once the cover was removed, necessitating emergency fire suppression measures. Since the properties of the raw materials have not changed, I believe this phenomenon is related to the modification of the MIP process; however, I am unable to identify the specific cause. I would be very grateful for any guidance from those with more expertise.
Could it be that MIP removes sulfur after reducing its content in gasoline, thereby increasing corrosion?
It has no essential connection with the MIP process. It is estimated that the raw materials have changed, especially the sulfur content in the feed may have increased.
The raw sulfur level remains unchanged; it is estimated that MIP has increased the reaction depth, and as a result of more gasoline and liquefied gas being produced, the load on the coolers has increased
The cooler load increases, and it is not related to corrosion.