Figure 3 Acidic corrosion
A new low-phosphorus Predator high-temperature cor- rosion inhibitor has been created by the research team. 5 With the new technology, high-temperature corrosion can be controlled and the impact on the downstream units can be minimised or eliminated, as the phosphorous content is 50% lower and a new dispersing agent free of metal, sul- phur, and phosphorus is used. The lab test results show good corrosion control and dispersing ability. Trials of this newly developed product are ongoing. Future of corrosion control: integration and intelligence As impressive as these individual tools are, the future of refinery corrosion control lies in integration and intelligence, combining corrosion control solutions with advanced mon- itoring and analytics systems, including Veolia’s Insight cloud technology that enables remote monitoring of refin - ery processes. The TrueSense COMS system provides real-time tracking of critical parameters and automatic control of overhead chemicals. This technology compensates for the deficien - cies of traditional daily/half-daily sampling, which may indi- cate high risks of corrosion. Predictive analytics allow for early problem detection and proactive maintenance. The online LoSALT software can output dew point, salt point, velocity, and free water results at the interval set as demanded, provided that the operation data, boot water analysis results, and other related streams properties can be captured by it through distributed control systems (DCS), laboratory information management sys- tems (LIMS) or online analysers. This integration of chemical solutions with digital technologies is creating a new para- digm in refinery operations, one where corrosion is not just controlled but predicted and prevented. Safety and efficiency The modern refining industry faces multifaceted chal - lenges – from processing increasingly complex crude oils to adhering to ever-stricter environmental regulations. In this demanding context, effective corrosion control extends beyond mere equipment protection to encompass
comprehensive operational safety, efficiency, and sustaina - bility of the entire refining process. Integrated corrosion control represents a comprehensive approach to these industry challenges, providing compre- hensive protection throughout the distillation process, from initial desalting operations to high-temperature processing zones, enabling refineries to operate with enhanced reli - ability and optimal efficiency. The examples of successful corrosion control programmes in this discussion are not specific to China. Similar results have been achieved at refineries worldwide as they search for solutions to operate more efficiently and safely. The integration of these advanced chemical solutions with digital technologies promises a new era in corrosion management. This synergistic integration positions refin - eries at the forefront of technological innovation, ready to tackle future challenges while maintaining sustainable, safe, and efficient operations for years to come. In the dynamic landscape of petroleum refining, success in corrosion control increasingly depends on the strategic com- bination of advanced chemical solutions, intelligent systems integration, and continuous innovation, marking a transform- ative approach to this critical aspect of refinery operations. References 1 NACE International Publication 34109 (2009 Edition). Crude Distillation Unit – Distillation Tower Overhead System Corrosion . 2 API RP 571 Damage Mechanisms Affecting Fixed Equipment in the Refining Industry. 3 T. Xiaodong, Z. Wenwen, Y. Wenqian, X. Rong’an, Y. Lijie, Research on effects and countermeasures of oilfield chemicals in oil processing, Journal Of Southwest Petroleum University (Science & Technology Edition) , Vol.32, No.2, pp.138-144, 2010 (ISSN 1674-5086, in Chinese). 4 O. Heredia, M.A. Droppelmann, M. Adewale, T. Barbosa, L.O. Galarce, Controlling Nucleation Corrosion, Hydrocarbon Engineering, October 2024. 5 A. Nagarajan, G.G. Khannam, K. Perumal, S. Kesavan, H. Bagaria, N. Patel, Synergistic multifunctional corrosion inhibitors for high-acid crudes, PTQ Q2 2025, pp.9-15.
Shaofeng Lin is Lead Engineer at Veolia. Email: shaofeng.lin@veolia.com.
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PTQ Q4 2025
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