Naphthenic Acid Corrosion

Naphthenic acid corrosion (NAC), along with high-temperature sulfidation, is commonly recognized as two primary damage mechanisms prevalent in the high-temperature sections of atmospheric and vacuum distillation units. The subsequent chapter offers an overview of the naphthenic acid corrosion mechanism, including process-corrosion relationships and solutions for corrosion mitigation.

General Information

Historically, the term ’naphthenic acids’ referred to organic acids featuring saturated aliphatic rings with a carbon atom count ranging from 6 to 20, primarily found in crude oil and distillation side cuts. However, its definition has evolved to encompass all types of organic acids, including those with both saturated and unsaturated rings, some with structures containing up to 50 carbon atoms (see Figure 1). The molecular weight (MW) of these acids varies approximately from 100 to nearly 600-700 atomic units (au).

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Tools

Below is a user-friendly calculator to estimate crude corrosivity based on typical process variables.

These tools are intended as guidelines only, serving to offer preliminary insights into crude corrosivity. Engineers and specialists should exercise caution and discretion when interpreting the results, considering the complexity of factors influencing corrosion behavior.

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Calculator

Crude Corrosivity

NOTICE: The provided tool is for advisory purposes only. Corrology Innovations Limited and its employees shall not be held liable for any damages, resulting from the use or inability to use the information provided.

References

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