Elemental sulfur is often produced by sour gas wells, primarily due to the oxidation of hydrogen
sulfide. This may occur as a result of oxygen contamination. Alternatively, with pressure and
temperature changes in the line, sulfur may precipitate and deposit on the pipeline walls. In the presence
of water, contact of solid sulfur with mild steel can result in the onset of catastrophic corrosion
processes.
The objective of this project is to study the effect of elemental sulfur on the corrosion of mild
steel. In preliminary experiments, elemental sulfur hydrolysis and sulfur-mild steel corrosion were
investigated. Sulfur was found to react with water at temperatures of greater than 80oC, resulting in
significant acidification of the corrosion solution. It was also found that elemental sulfur can cause
localized corrosion of mild steel when they are in direct contact. Iron sulfide films/scales readily formed
on the surface of the steel; these were analyzed by infinite focus microscopy (IFM), scanning electron
microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD).