Author/s:
Suresh Aluvihara1*, Jagath K. Premachandra2, Syed Fakhar Alam3
1Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
2Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Katubedda, Sri Lanka
3LEJ Nanotechnology Center, H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
*Corresponding author’s email: Email: sureshaluvihare@gmail.com, sureshaluvihare24@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31972/iceit2024.068
Abstract
Crude oils are primarily found in the interior of the earth and consist of various compounds, including corrosive composites like sulfur compounds, salts, and organic acids, which contribute to the degradation of metals. The main focus of this study was to investigate the impact of these corrosive compounds on the corrosion of seven different types of ferrous metals. The chemical compositions of the chosen ferrous metals and the corrosive properties of two different crude oils were analyzed using recommended instruments and standard methodologies. Metal coupons of the same size were prepared from the seven types of metals, and their corrosion rates were determined using the weight loss method. Additionally, the concentrations of corroded ferrous and copper were examined, and the variations in the initial hardness of the metals were measured. The findings revealed lower corrosion rates in stainless steels, higher corrosive effects from salts, the formation of FeS and Fe2O3, corrosion-related cracks and cavities on the metal surfaces, significant decay of ferrous and copper from certain metals into the crude oils, and minor reductions in the initial hardness of the metals as a result of corrosion.
Keywords: Crude oils, Corrosiveness, Metals, Decay, Weight loss, Corrosion