Complex Corrosion Monitoring System for Crude Distillation Unit in Form of Neutral Network

Complex and successful corrosion monitoring of refinery processes can significantly reduce material losses and failure risk. The developed corrosion monitoring system is based on online ultrasonic sensors, ER (electrical resistance) probes, gravimetric method and multipoint analytical analysis of chemical composition of the fluids. Additional online LPR (linear polarization resistance) sensors controlling corrosiveness of sour water are the part of monitoring system. LPR sensors on the sour water can be utilized for continuous control of chlorides content. The obtained data were used for selection of critical points in the atmospheric distillation unit and creating neutral network with defined factors which primarily influence the corrosion rate of each component. The database of standard and tolerable concentrations of main chemical species were defined as well as acceptable corrosion rates in each point. Main corrosion threats and proper technique of monitoring were discussed. The presented monitoring system can be utilized for proper blending of crude oils from different sources and diverse chemical composition. Such an approach can be useful for precise predicting safe service life of the component as well as the search for more corrosion resistive materials.