Fixed Equipment Inspection Manual

INSPECTION
STRATEGY # 3:

Section 8.0

Appendix E
Inspection Strategies

POLYSULFIDE-WATER CORROSION

WHEN IT OCCURS

Occurs when polysulfide is mixed with oxygen-containing water, or

water of too low a pH. Under either of these conditions, polysulfide
will decompose, depositing elemental sulfur which is corrosive
under wet conditions.

SUSCEPTIBLE ALLOYS

Corrosion has been limited to carbon steel. Copper alloys are

corroded by polysulfide and should not be used in this service.

RESISTANT ALLOYS

The 300 Series stainless steels are resistant but low carbon or
stabilized grades should be used to avoid intergranular corrosion.

WHERE ATTACK
OCCURS

Corrosion is limited to water injection lines, between the point of

polysulfide addition and the water injection quills into the main
process lines. Also inspect process pipe at and downstream of
injection points for accelerated, localized corrosion.

APPEARANCE OF
CORROSION

High localized; short areas of deep penetration and broad pits.

Usually heavy deposits of sulfur, often combined with iron sulfide in
both corroded and uncorroded sections of the line.

INSPECTION
TECHNIQUES

Corrosion can be found by a combination of UT scanning, UT

thickness and radiography. This is usually a 5 to 10 year problem at
worst. It is best prevented by avoiding oxygen contamination or
low pH in the injection water. Contact materials engineer for
oxygen and pH limits; they are subject to change as additional
experience develops.

NDE PROCEDURES

UT scanning per Chev-UT-2.

UT thickness measurement per Chev-UT-1.
RT thickness measurement per Chev-RT-1.

CERTIFICATION

The Plant Inspector or Analyst responsible for Polysulfide-Water

Corrosion inspection will pass a written test on this corrosion
phenomena.

REFERENCES

Piehl, R. L.; Design and Operation of Isocracker and Hydrotreater

Effluent Air Coolers 5/20/82 CRTC Report
Whiteside, J. G.; "Hydroprocessing Best Practice 002002Ammonium Bisulfide Corrosion Control Guidelines for Reactor
Effluent Coolers" latest revision latest revision
Chevron Corrosion Prevention Manual Vol. 2
Section 3200 - Fluid Catalytic Cracking Units

March 1996

E-IS03-1

Fixed Equipment Inspection Manual

Section 8.0

Appendix E
Inspection Strategies

Section 3300 - Hydrotreater/Isocrackers

Section 3700 - Acid Gas Removal Plants
Section 3800 - Sour Water Strippers/WWT
DATE WRITTEN

March 1996

July, 1993

E-IS03-2