This paper describes the unusually high corrosion rates of UNS 31603 (Type 316L stainless steel) in the regeneration section ofa Sulfiban amine unit and the measures taken to reduce corrosion rates to acceptable levels. Corrosion in the system was mitigated through a combination of process control, chemical inhibition, and mechanical redesign. Included in the paper is a case history describing the failure of Type 316L reboiler tubes and of the Type 316L regenerator tower.
Keywords: austenitic stainless steel, MEA, reboiler tube, inhibition, process control, Sulfiban, formic acid, amine units