Case study: The science behind amine process column corrosion and remedial solutions

This case study examines how and why corrosion takes place within amine vessels, the corrosion mitigation strategies available, and a comparison of high-velocity thermal spray (HVTS) with a low-velocity alternative. In 2015, a gas plant in the Middle East identified internal corrosion in two of its amine process columns and contracted the author’s company to apply HVTS alloy cladding to protect the base metal. The HVTS cladding was applied, and in 2016, the plant went out to public tender for the completion of a similar work scope on six more columns. The plant decided to use a local thermal spray contractor on a cost basis, which involved using a conventional low-velocity thermal spray pro