Investigation of Low pH Corrosion Problem in Catalytic Reformer Unit of Abadan Refinery and Presenting a Method to Prevent This Problem

Since four years after designing the catalytic reformer unit in Abadan refinery this unit has had a serious problem in processes which is reduced pH of sour water. This study is reported two main reasons for this problem and suggested some solution for them. The first reason is the type of crude oil used as the Abadan refinery feed and it has a lot of chloride sahs. and sulphur components. The second reason is the methods that have been used in the unit operation and cause production of some component such as fuS and. Nfu due to the reactions and reducing sour water pH of uni:fin.er site vessels. Injection of condensate water or ammonia is a method that can be used to prevent this problem. But using each of them may cause some new d:i:fficult:ies. For example ammonia injection can cause the stress cracking corrosion in brass heat exchanger tubes, and injection of chloride1ess condensate needs a perfect attention because it can make some problems in unit operations. In this paper some effective suggestions to solve these problems have explained.

Investigation of Low pH Corrosion Problem in Catalytic Reformer Unit of Abadan Refinery and Presenting a Method to Prevent This Problem Keywords:

Catalytic reformer. refinery , pH , sour water. Corrosion