overhead stream in the overhead condenser is presented in Figure 6. Simulation results show that the maximum pH is still below 8. Figure 7 shows that the bicarbonate and carbonate compositions are a function of temperature in the overhead condenser. The computer model predicts a car- bonate composition below 50 ppm-wt. Again, the aqueous phase formed in the splitter overhead system does not pose any risk for alkaline carbonate stress corrosion, based on the ACSCC guidelines. Conclusion The oil and gas industry faces significant challenges in con - trolling corrosion in refining equipment and pipeline systems, with the complexity escalating due to the evolving process- ing of crude oil and the rise of renewable fuel production. Particularly in Europe, the financial toll of corrosion empha - sises the need for effective corrosion management strategies. As shown in this case study, vegetable oil and animal fats containing carboxyl groups could cause carbonate stress corrosion, emphasising the need for careful engineering analysis. The case study demonstrated the limits established by the ACSCC guidelines. This article recommends using a case-by-case methodol- ogy as part of best engineering practices. Integrating com- puter tools, such as Petro-SIM software with OLI systems, provides a robust and accurate means to predict, identify, and mitigate corrosion issues in refineries. References 1 Corrosion-Related Accidents in Petroleum Refineries, JRC Scientific and Policy Reports, EUR 26331 EN, 2013. 3
2 Design, Materials, Fabrication, operation, and Inspection Guidelines for Corrosion Control in Hydroprocessing Reactor Effluent Air Cooler (REAC) Systems, API Recommended Practice 932-B, 3rd Ed, June 2019. 3 Process Equipment Reliability – Hydrocracking/Hydroprocessing , Albemarle North/Central EU Seminar Profitability and Reliability, September 30-October 1, 2014, Berlin, Germany. 4 Tellez-Schmill, R., Vicent, E., Mitigating Corrosion with a Digital Twin, PTQ Q4 2020, pp.39-45. 5 NACE Publication 34108-SG, Review and Survey of Alkaline Carbonate Stress Corrosion Cracking in Refinery Sour Waters. 6 API RP 571, Damage Mechanisms Affecting Fixed Equipment in the Refining Industry , American Petroleum Institute, 3rd Ed, 2020. Rodolfo Tellez-Schmill is a Product Champion for Process Simulation with KBC (A Yokogawa Company). He has more than 25 years of expe- rience in chemical engineering activities, including process engineer- ing, quality control, project management, research and development, technical support, and training. He holds a PhD in chemical engineer- ing from the University of Calgary and is a Professional Engineer reg- istered in the Province of Alberta, Canada. Soni Malik is a Product Management Senior Consultant at KBC (A Yokogawa Company). She manages KBC’s Petro-SIM reactor suite portfolio and its upcoming digital offerings. She has 15 years of down- stream refinery and petrochemical experience, which includes consult - ing, process design, technical services, and plant operations. Ezequiel Vicent is the Director of Consulting at OLI Systems, deliver- ing impactful solutions across oil refining and petrochemical sectors and amplifying client success through OLI’s products. With a 14-year tenure, his expertise spans diverse technical and consulting ventures, specialising in refining processes, chemicals, and petrochemical plants.
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