Catalytic reactions in supercritical water represent a potential alternative to conventional hydroprocessing of heavy oils. A pilot plant with a reactor constructed from UNS N10276 was developed to test this possibility. Rapid failure of the reactor due to intergranular corrosion was observed in the reactor at a point where the temperature of the water feed was in the high subcritical range. The cause for the corrosion was not determined, however, it appears to be related to a proprietary carbonate in the water feed.
Keywords: supercritical water, corrosion, UNS N10276, heavy oils, stainless steel