(119d) Choosing the Right Metallurgy in the Oil Refining and Chemical Industry

The metallurgy selection in the process industry is very complex and function of fluid service, weather conditions, and process life expectancy. This paper discusses a general class of metals or material divided into ferrous and non-ferrous based alloys. General types of corrosion mechanisms are explained. A typical refinery material selection based on high temperature sulfidation attack, naphthenic acid attack, and hydrogen embrittlement is discussed. Typical cost of different metals is compared. Specialized material selection such as low temperature operation, oxygen service, acids etc.to avoid catastrophic failures is explained. A common metallurgy used in water and refining industries are discussed. A role of a design and material engineers is compared.