As the sulfur content in crude oil continues to increase, corrosion at the top of atmospheric distillation columns becomes more severe. Everyone shares the problems they have encountered in their facilities
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I believe everyone has encountered corrosion at the top of atmospheric pressure towers; especially issues arise at the vaporization line at the tower top, as well as with the first heat exchanger and air coolers. Understanding what these problems are and how to address them is a challenge in maintaining long-term operation of such towers
Strengthen monitoring, strictly control the pH value and iron ion content of the acidic water at the top of the tower, and replace titanium-based equipment if necessary.
Both options, one removal and three injections or upgrading the material, require improved management. It is recommended to consider adding cross-flow components for the oil and gas phases in the heat exchange equipment located on the vapor line at the top of the tower; this way, in the event of a leak in the heat exchange equipment, it can be isolated for repair without having to shut down the entire system.
There are now high-temperature corrosion inhibitors specifically designed for sulfur corrosion, and they are very effective.