This paper intends to provide a detailed description of a corrosion problem1 observed in the amine regenerating
column in Amine Treatment Unit at a refinery. A leak was observed in a section of the column that had previously
been repaired. Localized groove marks were observed on the internal surfaces of the column. Grooving was
determined to be the result of acid gas out break inside the column which resulted in highly accelerated metal loss.
This paper also discusses the probable causes of such corrosion attack, and likely remedies to control corrosion of the
column. Insight and a description of the refinery’s adopted corrosion mitigation strategy have also been discussed.
Key Words: Amine Regenerator Column, DEA, Acid gas