The Effect of H2S Pressure on the Formation of Multiple Corrosion Products on 316L Stainless Steel Surface

M Shah; M T M Ayob; R Rosdan; N Yaakob; Z Embong; N K Othman

doi:10.1155/2020/3989563

The Effect of H₂S Pressure on the Formation of Multiple Corrosion Products on 316L Stainless Steel Surface

ScientificWorldJournal. 2020 Jul 26:2020:3989563. doi: 10.1155/2020/3989563. eCollection 2020.

Authors

M Shah^{1

2}, M T M Ayob¹, R Rosdan¹, N Yaakob³, Z Embong⁴, N K Othman²

Affiliations

¹ DNVGL Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Level 18, Menara Prestige, No. 1, Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur 50450, Malaysia.
² Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, The National University of Malaysia (UKM), Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia.
³ Center of Industrial Process Reliability and Sustainability (INPRES), Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Shah Alam 40450, Selangor, Malaysia.
⁴ Faculty of Applied Science and Technology, Tun Hussein Onn University of Malaysia (UTHM), KM 1. Jalan Panchor, Muar 84600, Johor, Malaysia.

Abstract

H₂S gas when exposed to metal can be responsible for both general and localized corrosion, which depend on several parameters such as H₂S concentration and the corrosion product layer formed. Therefore, the formation of passive film on 316L steel when exposed to H₂S environment was investigated using several analysis methods such as FESEM and STEM/EDS analyses, which identified a sulfur species underneath the porous structure of the passive film. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis demonstrated that the first layer of CrO₃ and Cr₂O₃ was dissolved, accelerated by the presence of H₂S-Cl^-. An FeS₂ layer was formed by incorporation of Fe and sulfide; then, passivation by Mo took place by forming a MoO₂ layer. NiO, Ni(OH)₂, and NiS barriers are formed as final protection for 316L steel. Therefore, Ni and Mo play an important role as a dual barrier to maintain the stability of 316L steel in high pH₂S environments. For safety concern, this paper is aimed to point out a few challenges dealing with high partial pressure of H₂S and limitation of 316L steel under highly sour condition for the oil and gas production system.