Despite significant advances in process technology, there continue to be recurring corrosion problems that affect the safety and reliability of HF Alkylation Units. This paper summarizes the Top Ten corrosion issues and examines the controlling factors that affect damage including the effects of operating parameters. Best industry practices used to monitor for problems and to inspect for damage are discussed. Examples of methods used to minimize the likelihood of failure and mitigate operating risk are included.
Keywords: HF, HFA, hydrofluoric acid, safety, alkylation, alkylate, rerun, regenerator, isostripper, isobutane, propane, butane, corrosion, cracking, carbon steel, combined fluorides, organic fluorides, alumina, treater, defluorinator, contaminants, sulfuric, damage mechanism, RP751, sulfuric, FFS.