Corrosion in the catalytic naphtha reforming unit of a petroleum refinery (Part I)

Abstract

Corrosive problems showed up in the cooling system of the naphtha catalytic reforming unit of a petroleum refinery, not only implies intense deterioration of heat exchangers, but also significant operation losses and consequently significant economic affectations. These problems arose since the use of a new catalyst made with Pt/Re based on alumina in the fixed-bed reformer, which requires higher concentration of organic chlorine compounds during regeneration. In this work, a study was performed at a laboratory scale using gravimetric and electrochemical tests, which allowed obtaining corrosion rates for the various metals used in the construction of the equipment, exposed to existing corrosive medium of the aforementioned catalytic reforming unit. As a result of this study it was determined that the gases that contribute to the highest acidity of the medium are HCl and SO2, and in lesser extent CO2 and H2S. However, it was observed that the metallic materials which make up the equipment: carbon steel, aluminum and brass are severely affected by corrosion due to the corrosive action of these gases.