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Naphthenic Acid Corrosion Review

Petroleum
Production
Refining
Chemical
Process
Corrosion
Standards

Introduction
Manifestation of Naphthenic Acid Corrosion
Parameters Affecting Naphthenic Acid Corrosion
Naphthenic Acid Chemistry
Sulfur Compounds
Temperature
Velocity
Materials of Construction
Mitigation Methods
Laboratory Testing
Conclusions
References and Further Reading

Introduction

High temperature crude corrosivity of distillation units is a major concern to the refining industry. The presence of naphth
and sulfur compounds considerably increases corrosion in the high temperature parts of the distillation units and equipme
have become a critical safety and reliability issue. The difference in process conditions, materials of construction and ble
processed in each refinery and especially the frequent variation in crude diet increases the problem of correlating corrosio
to a certain type of crude oil. In addition, a large number of interdependent parameters influences the high temperature
corrosion process.
Manifestation of Naphthenic Acid Corrosion

Isolated, deep pits in partially filmed areas and/or impingement attack in essentially film free areas is typical of naphthen
corrosion (NAC). Damage is in the form of unexpected high corrosion rates on alloys that would normally be expected to re
corrosion. In many cases, even very highly alloyed materials (i.e., 12 Cr, AISI 316 and 317) have been found to exhibit sens
corrosion under these conditions. NAC is differentiated from sulfidic corrosion by the nature of the corrosion (pitting and
impingement) and by its severe attack at high velocities in crude distillation units. Crude feedstock heaters, furnaces, tra
feed and reflux sections of columns, atmospheric and vacuum columns, heat exchangers, condensers are among the type o
equipment subject to this type of corrosion.
Parameters Affecting Naphthenic Acid Corrosion

The chemistry, content, boiling point distribution, and decomposition temperature of naphthenic acid and sulfur compo
direct effect on the high temperature corrosion of the distillation unit. Process conditions such as velocity, degree of v
and temperature, and alloy composition are also important factors affecting the corrosion process.
Naphthenic Acid Chemistry

Naphthenic acid is a generic name used for all the organic acids present in crude oils. Most of these acids are bel
to have the chemical formula R(CH2)n COOH where R is a cyclopentane ring and n is typically greater than 12. How
a multitude of other acidic organic compounds are also present and not all of them have been analyzed to date. C
oils from California, Venezuela, North Sea, Western Africa, India, China, and Russia have typically a high napht
acid content.

There are several methods for the determination of naphthenic acid content. Unfortunately, these methods le

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different results.

1. The ASTM procedures for Total Acid Number (TAN) also called neut number were not developed for crude
There were used for determining the oxidation of petroleum products and lubricants. ASTM D974 is a colorim
titration method and has a reproducibility of 15%. ASTM D664 is a potentiometric titration method
reproducibility of 20 to 44% depending on the end point (buffer or inflection), type of oil (used or fresh)
titration mode (automatic or manual). Inorganic acids, esters, phenolic compounds, sulfur compounds, lact
resins, salts, and additives such as inhibitors and detergents interfere with both methods. In addition, t
ASTM methods do not differentiate between naphthenic acids, phenols, carbon dioxide, hydrogen su
mercaptans, and other acidic compounds present in the oil.

2. In the UOP procedures, sulfur compounds are removed before analysis of acid number. UOP 565 is a
potentiometric method and UOP 587 is a colorimetric method.

3. In the chromatographic method or Mobil method naphthenic acid are expressed by weight percent. The acid
extracted by liquid chromatography and then analyzed by IR spectroscopy. Unfortunately, the instrume
calibrated with standard naphthenic acid, which might not have the same composition and molecular weig
the sample. Thus, the weight percent can be used for comparison purpose only.
4. Another variation of the chromatographic method is the Naphthenic Acid Number (NAN) or Naphthenic
Titration (NAT) whereby the sample is extracted by chromatography and then titrated per ASTM D664.

The Fast Atom Bombardment Mass Spectroscopy (FAB-MS) analysis determines the molecular weight distribution o
naphthenic acid extracted from the oil. This method is mainly used to fingerprint crude oils from around the w
Research is still underway to apply this technique to corrosivity prediction.

The naphthenic acids are most active at their boiling point and the most severe corrosion generally occu
condensation. Crude oils with a TAN higher than 0.5 and cuts with a TAN higher than 1.5 are considered t
potentially corrosive between the temperature of 450 to 750F. However, there are many cases including high velo
high TAN and others where these rules of thumb break down and correlating the TAN of specific cut to their corro
is still far from being reached.
Sulfur Compounds

Other than carbon and hydrogen, sulfur is the most abundant element in petroleum. It may be present as elem
sulfur, hydrogen sulfide, mercaptans, sulfides, and polysulfides. The total sulfur content is generally analyzed
ASTM D4294 method using X-ray fluorescence. Halides and heavy metals interfere with this method.

Sulfur at a level of 0.2% and above is known to be corrosive to carbon and low alloy steels at temperatures from 23
(450 ? F) to 455 ? C (850 ? F). When sulfur is the only contaminant, McConomy curves, with the help of corre
factors, are used to predict the relative corrosivity of crude oils and their various fractions as well as the effe
operational changes on corrosion rates already experienced in the field. Sulfur content of the cuts and more adva
analysis of specific sulfur compounds such as H2S, mercaptans, sulfides, polysulfides when correlated to field

appears to help predict crude corrosivity much better. Hydrogen sulfide evolution tests were also used to predict
corrosivity. As early as 1953, it was found that the H 2S evolved at 850F correlated very well with experienced cor

of 21 out of 22 oils tested. Piehls work also showed that there was a good correlation of corrosion with H 2S evolut
standard procedure for the hydrogen sulfide evolution with temperature is not currently available.

At high temperature, especially in furnaces and transfer lines, the presence of naphthenic acids may increase
severity of sulfidic corrosion. The presence of these organic acids may disrupt the sulfide film thereby promoting su
corrosion on alloys that would normally be expected to resist this form of attack (i.e., 12 Cr and higher alloys). In
cases, such as in side cut piping, the sulfide film produced by H 2S are believed to offer some degree of protection
naphthenic acid corrosion.
Temperature

In general, corrosion rate of all alloys in the distillation units increases with increase in temperature. Naphthenic

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corrosion occurs primarily in high velocity areas of crude distillation units in the 220 to 400 ? C (430 to 750
temperature range. No corrosion damage is usually found at temperatures above 400 ? C (750 ? F), most pro
because of the decomposition of naphthenic acids or protection from the coke formed at the metal surface.
Velocity

Velocity and more importantly wall shear stress is a main parameter affecting NAC. Fluid flow velocity lacks pred
capabilities. Data related to fluid flow parameters such as wall shear stress and Reynolds Number is more acc
because the density and viscosity of liquid and vapor in the pipe , the degree of vaporization in the pipe and the
diameter are also taken into account.

To estimate wall shear stress, it is necessary to know the density and viscosity of the liquid and the vapor, the degr
vaporization and the pipe diameter. The chart of Diameters versus Roughness and chart of Friction Factors (M
Diagram) are also needed. First, the Reynolds Number for field flow conditions in a pipe is calculated by the foll
equation:
Re = D ? V / ??
where R e = Reynolds Number
D = diameter of pipe (m)
?????????????????????? = density of fluid (Kg/m 3)
V = velocity of fluid (m/s)
????????????????????? = dynamic viscosity (Kg/m.s, 1 Poise = 0.1 Kg/m.s)

With the Reynolds number known, the Relative roughness (e /D) is obtained from the chart of Diameters versus Re
Roughness and the Friction factor (f) is then obtained from the Moody Diagram. Finally, the Shear Stress (?) is calcu
by the following equation:
? = f ? V2 / ?

To use plant corrosion data of a specific crude or blend as a way to predict its corrosivity for another plant
Calculate shear stress for plant with known corrosion data, (2) calculate shear stress for plant which is planning t
the specific crude or blend and (3) compare both shear stress. Corrosion rates are directly proportional to shear st
Typically, the higher the acid content, the greater the sensitivity to velocity. When combined with high temper
and high velocity, even very low levels of naphthenic acid may result in very high corrosion rates.
Materials of Construction

Above 288 ? C (550 ? F), and very low naphthenic acid content, 5 Cr or 12 Cr cladding is recommended for crudes
1% sulfur when no operating experience is available. When hydrogen sulfide is evolved, an alloy containing a minim
9% chromium is preferred. In contrast to high-temperature sulfidic corrosion, low-alloy steels containing up to 12%
not seem to provide benefits over carbon steel in naphthenic acid service. 316 SS (with 2.5% Mo minimum) or bette
SS with a higher Mo content (3.5% minimum) cladding of vacuum column is recommended when TAN is above 0.
KOH/g and in atmospheric column when the TAN is above 2.0 mg KOH/g.
Mitigation Methods
Mitigation of naphthenic acid corrosion includes blending, inhibition, materials upgrading and process control.

Blending may be used to reduce the naphthenic acid content of the feed by diluting a high TAN crude with a low TA
reducing corrosion to an acceptable level. Blending of heavy and light crudes change shear stress parameters and
help reduce corrosion. Blending is also used to increase the level of sulfur content in the feed and inhibit to s
naphthenic acid corrosion.

Injection of corrosion inhibitors may provide protection for specific fractions that are known to be particula
Monitoring need to be adequate in this case to check on the effectiveness of the treatment.

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Process control changes may provide adequate corrosion control if there is possibility to reduce charge rate and tem
For long term reliability, upgrading the construction materials to a higher chrome and/or molybdenum alloy
solution.
Laboratory Testing

Several parameters need to be defined in planning a laboratory crude corrosion tests: (1) oil fraction, (2) temperature, (3
stress (velocity), (4) alloy composition, (5) exposure time and (6) testing procedure. Laboratory corrosion tests still
correlated to refinery experience.
Process Simulation

Furnace Tubes and Transfer Lines - In furnace tubes and transfer lines, vaporization and fluid velocity are very hi
The high temperature conditions appears to activate even small amounts of naphthenic acid in oil increasing corros
significantly. Thus, at furnace tubes and transfer lines conditions, the influence of temperature, velocity and degre
vaporization is very large. Process conditions such as load and steam rate and especially turbulence affect corrosivi
The corrosion mechanism at the furnace tubes, transfer lines, areas of high turbulence such as thermowells and pum
is most likely an accelerated corrosion due to the velocity and the two-phase flow. Simulation of these conditions i
laboratory requires conditions of high degree of vaporization and relatively low wall shear stress . A rotating elect
with specimens in the vapor phase easily simulate the high velocity conditions found in the field. A flow loop wit
impingement simulates only a liquid flow and is not adequate in this case.

Vacuum Column - In the vacuum column, preferential vaporization and condensation of naphthenic acids increase
of condensates. There is very little effect of velocity. Corrosion takes only place in the liquid phase. It is mainly a
condensate corrosion and is directly related to content, molecular weight and boiling point of the naphthenic acid .
Corrosion is typically severe at the condensing point corresponding to high TAN and temperature. Simulating vacuum
tower corrosion requires the specimens to be exposed in the condensing phase and not in the vapor or liquid phase.
requires apparatus common to corrosion studies in the chemical industry. An autoclave and a flow loop jet
impingement are not adequate for testing corrosion in this case.

Side Cut Piping - In side-cut piping, conditions of low vaporization and medium fluid velocity exist. Some studies
showed a possible inhibition of NAC by sulfur compounds. In these conditions, an increase in velocity increases
corrosion rates up to the point where impingement starts and corrosion is accelerated dramatically. The corrosion
process is dependent on flow, temperature, materials of construction and naphthenic acid and H 2S content. A stirre
autoclave or a flow loop with jet impingement are typically used to simulate these conditions.
Testing Procedure

There are several methods for testing crude oils: (1) continuous purge with nitrogen where corrosion rates are typ
very low since all evolved H2 S is removed continuously by the continuous nitrogen purging, (2) sealing of auto

where the evolved H2 S and light components increase the pressure of the system, thus increasing corrosion rates
(3) setting the pressure level arbitrarily to a certain point using a pressure relief valve and condenser. Several
testing procedure details such as volume ratio of liquid to vapor, deaeration of autoclave, stirring of oil during
cleaning of specimens after test are also critical to the validity of the test results and need to be defined early i
program.
Conclusions

High temperature crude corrosion is a complex problem. There are at least three corrosion mechanisms corresponding to:
tubes and transfer lines where corrosion is dependent on velocity and vaporization and is accelerated by naphthenic acid,
column where corrosion occurs at condensing temperature, is independent of velocity and increases with naph
concentration, and (3) side cut piping where corrosion is dependent on naphthenic acid content and is inhibited somewh
compounds.

The industry still relies heavily on previous experience and readily available data on TAN and sulfur of cuts when
opportunity crudes. Despite their shortcoming, rules of thumb are still used mainly because of lack of resources and time

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corrosion engineer.

The uniqueness in process conditions, materials of construction and blend processed in each refinery and especially t
variation in crude or blend processed does still not allow an accurate correlation of plant experience to chemical a
laboratory corrosion tests. In addition to corrosion data, there is a need for better monitoring and recording of the proces
(temperature, velocity, and vaporization) and the analytical data (TAN of cuts, type of acid and sulfur compounds present
References and Further Reading

Derungs, W.A., "Naphthenic Acid Corrosion An Old Enemy Of The Petroleum Industry", Corrosion, 12 (2), 41(1956).
Gutzeit, J., "Naphthenic Acid Corrosion In Oil Refineries", Materials Performance, 33(10), 24(1977).
Piehl, R.L., ""Naphthenic Acid Corrosion in Crude Distillation Units", Materials Performance, 44 (1), 37(1988).
Craig, H.L., "Naphthenic Acid Corrosion in the Refinery", CORROSION/95, Paper # 333, NACE, Houston, Texas, 1995.
Craig, H.L., "Temperature and Velocity Effects in Naphthenic Acid Corrosion", CORROSION/96, Paper # 603, NACE, H
Texas, 1996.
Heller, J.J., R.D. Merick and E.B. Marquand, "Corrosion of Refinery Equipment by Naphthenic Acid", NACE Publicatio
Materials Protection , 2(9), 44(1963).
REFIN.COR Version 3.0, NACE International, Houston, Texas, 1996.
ASTM Method D974, "Test Method for Acid and Base Number by Color-Indicating Titration", Annual Book of ASTM Sta
Volume 05.01.
ASTM Method D664, "Test Method for Acid Number of Petroleum Products by Potentiometric Titration", Annual Book
Standards, Volume 05.01.
UOP Method 565 -92, " Acid Number and Naphthenic Acids by Potentiometric Titration", UOP, Des Plaines, Illinois, 19
UOP Method 587 -92, " Acid Number and Naphthenic Acids by colorimetric Titration", UOP, Des Plaines, Illinois, 1992
Morrison B.L., D. DeAngelis, L. Bonnette and S. Wood, "The determination of Naphthenic Acids in Crude Oil", PittCo
Orleans, Louisiana, 1992.
"Refining Acid Crude", The CAPTAIN Report, Texaco Brochure, 1996.
Cataldi, H.A., R.J. Askevold and A.E. Harnsberger, "Estimating the Corrosivity of Crude Oils", Petroleum Refiner
(1953).
Slater, J.E, W.E. Berry, B. Paris and W.K. Boyd, "High Temperature Crude Oil Corrosivity Studies", API Publication N
September 1974.
Port, G.R., Proceeding API, Division Refining, 41 (III), 98 (1961).
Mottram, R.A. and J.T. Hathaway, "Some Experience in the Corrosion of a Crude Oil Distillation Unit Operating with
North African Crudes", CORROSION/71, Paper # 39, NACE, Houston, Texas, 1971.
Slavcheva, E., B. Shone and A. Turnbull, "Factors Controlling Naphthenic Acid Corrosion", CORROSION/98, Paper # 9
NACE, Houston, Texas, 1998.
Blanco, E.F. and B. Hopkinson, "Experience with Naphthenic Acid Corrosion in Refinery Distillation Process Units",
CORROSION/83, Paper # 99, NACE, Houston, Texas, 1983.
Hau, J.L. and E.J. Mirabal, "Experience with Processing High Sulfur Naphthenic Acid Containing Heavy Crude Oils", 2
Latin American Region Corrosion Congress, Paper # LA96037, NACE, Houston, Texas, 1996.
Bardaz, E.A., "Proceeding 6 th European Conference on Corrosion Inhibitors", Italy, 1985.
Piehl, R.L., "Correlation of Corrosion in a Crude Distillation Unit with Chemistry of the Crudes" Corrosion, 16, 6(196
"White R.A. and Ehmke E.F., "Materials Selection for Refineries and Associated Facilities", NACE, Houston, Texas, 19
Babian-Kibala, E. et al.: "Naphthenic Acid Corrosion in a Refinery Setting", NACE Conference, CORROSION/93, Paper
1993.
Blanco, F. and Hopkinson, B.: "Experience with Naphthenic Acid corrosion in Refinery Distillation Process Units", NA
Conference, CORROSION 83, Paper #99, 1983.
Scattergood, G.L. and Strong, R.C.: "Naphthenic Acid Corrosion, An Update of Control Methods", NACE Conference,
CORROSION/87, Paper #197, 1987.
Fau, Tseng -Pu, "Characterization of Naphthenic Acids in Petroleum by Fast Atom Bombardment Mass Spectrometry,
Fuels, Vol. 5, No. 3, 1991: p. 371.
Dzidic, I. et al., "Determination of Naphthenic Acids in California Crudes and Refinery Wastewaters by Fluoride Ion

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Ionization Mass Spectrometry," Analytical Chemistry, Vol. 60, No. 13, July 1, 1988: p. 1318.
Effird K.D. et al, "Experimental Correlation of Steel Corrosion in Pipe Flow Jet Impingement and Rotating Cylinder L
Tests", Corrosion/93, Paper #81, NACE.
Tebbal, S. et al., "Review of critical Factors Affecting Crude Corrosivity", NACE Conference, CORROSION/96, Paper
Tebbal, S. et al., "Assessment of the Corrosivity of Crude Fractions from Varying Feedstock", NACE Conference, COR
Paper # 498.
Tebbal, S. et al., "Assessment of Crude Oil Corrosivity", NACE Conference, CORROSION/98, Paper # 578
Tebbal, S., "Critical Review of Naphthenic Acid Corrosion", NACE Conference, CORROSION/99, Paper # 380.
Tebbal, S., "Predict Naphthenic Acid Corrosion", Hydrocarbon Engineering, April 2000, Page 64.
Crude Distillation - Naphthenic Acid Corrosion Mechanism - Refining Primer

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