Naphthenic acids present in crude oils contribute to high-temperature corrosion.
Corrosion caused by naphthenic acids generally occurs in the temperature range of 200-400
°C (400-750 °F). The use of inhibitors is a common corrosion mitigation strategy. Phosphorus
based compounds are known to be effective in naphthenic acid corrosion control. However,
some users have enforced limitations on phosphorous content, requiring application of
phosphorus-free alternatives. In light of these restrictions, a systematic surface study of carbon
steel surfaces treated with both phosphorous and non-phosphorus based corrosion inhibitors
is proposed.
Surfaces of both treated and untreated carbon steel specimens were characterized via
X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Attenuated Total
Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR FT-IR) spectroscopy. In addition, morphological
data were obtained using Vertical Scanning Interferometry (VSI). Molecular modeling was
used to correlate electronic properties of the inhibitors with their reactivity.
Keywords: naphthenic acid, corrosion inhibitor, carbon steel, XPS, VSI