Metal dusting corrosion has been studied in Statoil since the decision to build the Tjeldbergodden
Methanol Plant was made. In 1994 Statoil started an extensive research project aiming to find the best
available materials for the equipment subjected to metal dusting corrosion. Investigations are still
ongoing with both plant and laboratory testing. More than 40 different alloys from 12 vendors have been
tested during the length of the project.
In general, nickel-based alloys appear to have the best metal dusting resistance, although some ironbased
alloys have outperformed nickel-based materials. The overall picture may appear confusing due
to the many variables involved, such as material factors, process parameters and operation variables.
Laboratory testing alone is not sufficient to predict the metal dusting resistance of a material, even
when highly sophisticated equipment is employed. Long term plant exposure in combination with
laboratory exposures will give good indications about the metal dusting resistance of components in
syngas.
Key words: Metal Dusting, High Temperature Corrosion, Plant Testing, Carburization, Alloying
Elements