The paper describes several approaches to perform computer simulation of corrosion occurring in the chemical process industries. While the present state of the art does not permit simulating all modes of corrosion observed in process systems, useful insights can be gained at the design stage by the inclusion of corrosion simulation tools. A thermodynamic speciation model coupled to electrochemical kinetic model is used to calculate the uniform corrosion rates in a variety of mixed acid systems. Such a model can also compute the corrosion potential; an important parameter that can determine the occurrence of a variety of localized corrosion processes. For systems undergoing localized corrosion, a semi-empirical model, involving repassivation and corrosion potentials is described, Other approaches to corrosion prediction are described briefly. Areas for further development are identified.
Keywords: Corrosion, acids, process simulation, thermodynamics, corrosion potential, repassivation potential, stainless steel, nickel-base alloys, chemical process industry