Use of High Molecular Weight Corrosion Inhibitors In Petroleum Refineries

The theory of adsorbtive inhibitors is discussed briefly. An account is given of tests by coupons and in refinery equipment evaluating the effect of three semi-polar compounds in reducing the corrosion of refinery equipment. Data on concentrations, technique of additions to streams, coincident use of ammonia, cost per barrel of charge, percentages discharged in effluent and percentage retained in stream are given. Considerable information is revealed indicating the detergent action of the inhibitors assists in reducing deposits on tubes and in pumps and other equipment and thereby extends the period between shutdowns for cleaning. Significant reductions in the corrosion rates in crude distillation units, steam reboilers, straight run deisobutanizers, vacuum pumps, alkylation units, TCC units and other refinery equipment are reported. The author concludes water soluble inhibitors tested are sufficiently soluble in hydrocarbons to provide corrosion protection.