AM-15-71 Iron Sulphide: Friend or Foe?

Description:

In sour gas production there are two primary corrosion causing species: hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and carbon dioxide (CO2). The corrosion products that form from the reaction of these gases with steel in the presence of water can provide a clue as to the formation mechanism, the severity of the potential corrosive environment and the degree to which the corrosion will affect operation of an amine unit. In any amine system, corrosion of piping and equipment is one of the worst of the potential problems an operator or engineer can encounter. Amine plants treating gas containing H2S will have iron sulphides in the system. Are iron sulphides a good thing? When do they help and when do they hinder? This paper will attempt to clarify the pros and cons of iron sulphides present in an amine system.