High Temperature Hydrogen Sulfide Corrosion In Thermofor Catalytic Reformers—A Contribution to the Work of NACE Task Group T-5B-2 on Sulfide Corrosion At High Temperatures and Pressures in the Petroleum Industry from: Socony Mobil Oil Co., Inc., Research and Development Laboratory, Paulsboro, N.J.

Abstract

Abstract High temperature hydrogen sulfide corrosion is a serious problem in commercial reforming units. Corrosion tests conducted in two Thermofor catalytic reformers, which handle widely different type stocks, have shown that carbon and low chrome steels commonly used for construction in the petroleum industry will not resist hydrogen sulfide attack under the high temperature conditions of the process. The commercial tests confirmed laboratory results which indicated that only the 18-8 chrome-nickel and higher alloys show good resistance to this type of corrosion. In addition to proper selection of alloys, altering the environment by reducing hydrogen sulfide concentration and the use of aluminum coated steels have been successful in combating this type of corrosion.