51314-4222-Corrosion in Amine Reclaimer System

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Product Number: 51314-4222-SG

ISBN: 4222 2014 CP

Author: Jeevanandam Shanmugam

Publication Date: 2014

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Sulfinol Reclaimer column is utilized to remove oxozolidone from lean sulfinol solution containing sulfolane DIPA water oxozolidone H2S and CO2 which is heated by medium pressure steam. Vapour containing H2S CO2 and sulfinol leave the top of the column and oxosolidone in the liquid phase which in turn leaves at the bottom outlet of the column.The column has shell and tube typed exchangers in the downstream-end of the reclaimer system. It receives sour vapour from the 2nd reclaimer knock-out drum. Output of the exchanger is sour water to the effluent treatment system.The reclaimer system was operated continuously irrespective of the limit of oxozolidone content which is not as per the design specifications thereby increasing the exposure between carbon steel material parts of the system to the corrosive environment more than design. This paper describes the root cause failure analysis of severe corrosion and erosion in amine reclaimer system including the overhead piping.The carbon steel part of the reclaimer’s top section column experienced severe corrosion due to exposure with H2S & CO2 vapour corrosive environment. Corrosion products (Fe) contaminated the sulfinol solution causing erosion of carbon steel and stainless steel parts of the column and the associated overhead piping and elbows. Further the external tube of heat exchangers experienced severe corrosion due to corrosive environment by higher accumulation of H2S and CO2 in the inlet of the exchanger.Recommendations provided to control the observed corrosion within the acceptable limit are by limiting the operation of the column from continuous to intermittent as per original design and if required to upgrade with the better corrosion resistant material with sufficient economic justification.