The aim of this work is to simulate FeS film breakdown process in alkaline sour environments. This environment is commonly generated in refineries on Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) units where material deterioration can occur as a consequence of hydrogen absorption. This absorption can induce internal cracking and blistering. The experience obtained from corrosion control under these circumstances supports the hypothesis that hydrogen absorption would be mitigated if a protective FeS film is formed on the steel surface which is in contact with the sour environment. Many parameters are related to FeS film formation like H2S content and the presence of contaminants in the solution. Among several contaminants commonly cited cyanide seems to be the most important one. This species is responsible for FeS film breakdown and hence to hydrogen absorption in alkaline sour environments. Considering the available data obtained during plant operation, laboratory simulation of an alkaline sour environment was done in order to study the effect of cyanide contamination on the severity of hydrogen permeation in C‐Mn steel. Laboratory tests were conducted by using hydrogen permeation, electrochemical impedance and stationary techniques as well. The results were interpreted considering the hypothesis of FeS film breakdown.
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