Basic Data Comments

Materials A process flow diagram will be needed where materials of

construction can be noted. Amine corrosion only applies to
equipment made of carbon or low alloy steel.
Heat Stable Salt Concentration Determine the Heat Stable Salt content as a percent of the total
solution. (Not HSS percent of total amine, see reference 3)
Corrosion Coupon Corrosion Rate Corrosion coupons are typically found in the hot lean amine line or
regenerator reboiler return line. Corrosion may show high in one
system but low in another. Use a process flow diagram to identify
all equipment in service conditions similar to each specific set of
coupons. For example, if the coupons are in the lean amine line off
the regenerator bottom and are showing more than 0.010 inches per
year loss, then the following equipment may experience accelerated
corrosion. The regenerator, the regenerator outlet piping, and any
other equipment in the outlet piping up to the rich/lean exchanger
where temperature of the lean amine is lowered.
Velocity Fluid velocity will need to be calculated for the amine service
lines in the plant. Experience indicates that a velocity over 6 feet
per second can cause corrosion in the line, particularly at points of
turbulence. Do not worry about amine pumps as they always have
sufficient velocity and turbulence to cause amine corrosion, and
are usually alloy.
The industry standard prediction tool for CO2 corrosion is the nomogram by DeWaard-Lotz-
Milliams from their 1991 NACE paper. It generally provides for a conservative, i.e. over
estimation, of corrosion. The nomogram is presented below with permission of the National
Association of Corrosion Engineers.