This Report was prepared originally in 1967 by Technical
Section E of the Gas Processors Association and revised in 1975.
It is intended as a practical and convenient guide in detecting, locating, and measuring common corrosion problems in gas processing plants and related equipment. It was developed primarily for use by field operating and maintenance personnel whose responsibilities include the safe and economical operation of such facilities.
All processing plants and their equipment components are
subject to corrosion in some degree. Its control and mitigation are essential, not only for the protection of life and property, but for profitable operation of these processes. While corrosion may be less severe in later designed plants because of lack of moisture and lower operation temperatures, corrosion control may be even
more cri tical since closer material tolerances and smaller corrosion allowances will be required. Moreover, plant capacities and investments are becoming much larger. Therefore, plant downtime, for any reason, must be held to an absolute minimum.
The corrosion control program should be founded on thorough, systematic, and frequent inspections in order to locate and evaluate corrosion damage. Adequate data and records of these inspections will enable the operator to predict possible hazards before they become serious and will indicate plant components that need more critical examination. A suggested system for maintaining satisfactory corrosion records is shown in "Guide
for Inspection of Refinery Equipment" as published by the
American Petroleum Institute. For specific systems refer to the chapter on the particular equipment in question.
Even in very thorough inspection, only a small part of the
equipment exposed to corrosion will be examined. It is necessary, therefore, that the successful control program take into account other related information such as original plant design, specifications, and conditions specific to the locality or the process.
A thorough knowledge of the plant, the equipment, and the
process, together with data gathered from thorough inspections will provide the information needed to set up and maintain practical and effective control measures. To be practical as well as effective, control measures must use economical means to secure personnel and equipment safety.
This report summarizes the experiences of a cross section of the industry in the practical application of inspection devices and corrosion detection methods. It is for information purposes only and references to particular processes, tests, or manufacturers should not be construed as an endorsement by GPA. For more detailed and technical information concerning corrosion, the reader is referred to other publications, some of which are listed
in the references at the end of each chapter.
The GPA takes no position as to whether any method,
apparatus, or product mentioned herein is covered by an existing patent, nor as to the validity of any patent alleged to cover any such method. Furthermore, nothing contained herein grants any right, by implication or otherwise, for manufacture, sale, or use in connection with any method, apparatus, or product covered by patents; nor does it insure anyone against liability for patent
infringement.
This report may 6e used by anyone desiring to do so but the GPA shall not be held responsibile or liable in any way, either for loss or damage resulting therefrom or from violation of any federal, state, or municipal regulations with which it may conflict.
In all instances, applicable regulations or codes should be followed.