Every mechanically activated pressure instrument relies on an elastic element to bend in response to a pressurized medium. Most often, the element is a metallic “C” shaped or coiled Bourdon tube that attempts to straighten under pressure. Specifiers need to be especially careful that the chemical composition of the excitation medium does not react unfavorably with the instrument’s wetted materials. Measuring the pressure of compressed air or water seldom results in an incompatibility. However, when oil and gas first come out of the ground, the story can be quite different. Both hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and carbon dioxide (CO2, when combined with water forms carbonic acid) can exist as unwanted components. Raw petroleum fluids infused with hydrogen sulfide are known as “sour gas” or “sour crude”, and can attack containment materials, causing stress corrosion cracking. This can lead to a breach in the vessel and allow gas or oil to escape into the surrounding environment. The consequences can be disastrous.
To measure harsh pressure media, it is preferable to use an instrument with compatible wetted parts. However, this choice is limited by the ability of compatible materials to perform adequately as a Bourdon tube. The alternative is to isolate the pressure instrument from corrosive media by installing a diaphragm seal in between. Although offered in a variety of corrosion-resistant materials, not all will be impervious to every combination of application variables. Given the consequences of component failures, the selection of appropriate materials and best practices is paramount. So what are the correct materials? Who will make the determination?
How it started
Founded in 1943 by corrosion engineers working in the pipeline industry, the National Association of Corrosion Engineers set out “To protect people, assets, and the environment from corrosion”. By the 1960s, they had begun to develop control standards that would establish appropriate materials for a wide variety of corrosive applications, including oil and gas production and refinery facilities. In 1993, the organization was renamed “NACE® International” after having grown in scope, importance and geography.
What does NACE specify?
NACE offers over 150 standards that address metal corrosion in a vast number of applications ranging from exposed metal structures to corrosion resistant coatings on railroad cars. For purposes of this overview, the discussion will be limited to the NACE standards that specifically address corrosion resulting from exposure to sour gas or sour crude. The two primary NACE standards are MR0103that applies to refineries, and MR0175 (also adopted by ISO as 15156)which is directed to oil and gas production. Both apply to metals only, and do not address plastics or elastomers. Using materials selected in accordance with these NACE standards will reduce the likelihood of failure due to stress corrosion cracking in sour environments.
MR0175 / ISO 15156 – 2009: “Materials for Use in H2S Containing Environments in Oil and Gas Production”
This specification has been adopted as a worldwide standard by NACE, ANSI, and ISO. It is divided into three sections, separately addressing general requirements, ferrous alloys, and corrosion resistant alloys as used in sour oil and gas field applications.
MR0103 – 2010: “Materials Resistant to Sulfide Corrosion Cracking in Corrosive Petroleum Refining Environments”
This document addresses the selection of materials in oil and gas refineries. Refinery environments are typically less severe than production environments, due to lower chloride concentrations and higher pH levels. As a result, MR0103 tends to be less stringent than MR0175 / ISO15156.
These NACE specifications only consider stress corrosion cracking due to exposure to H2S and other corrosives and do not address general or localized corrosion. Additionally, the standards restrict the usage of many alloys by limiting the temperature, pH, and/or composition to which these alloys may be exposed. It is the responsibility of the specifier to select an appropriate instrument or component with the correct features for their particular set of variables to ensure NACE compliance.
The variables
Temperature
The temperature of the process medium can have a significant effect on the ability of any material to resist corrosion. Stainless steels are especially sensitive to temperature, especially when chlorides are present
Chemistry
The presence of hydrogen sulfide, chlorides (salts, often from subterranean salt deposits) and carbon dioxide can all contribute to corrosion. The quantities and combinations of these compounds will also be a factor in determining the adequacy of specific metals.
pH
Whether the pressure media are acid or base is another consideration. Low pH (acids) can increase corrosion rates and cause hydrogen liberation that can result in embrittlement of the metal.
Metallurgical Condition
Hardened metals are more susceptible to stress fractures. Annealed metals are softer and less likely to crack, but have a lower tensile strength.
Assuring that a component is compliant
To ensure that a component meets the NACE standards, determinations can be based on:
Meeting the Conditions Specified in the Standard
By following the NACE recommendations, all requirements will be met. When in doubt, use materials that are compliant with the worse-case application.
Laboratory Testing
Laboratory tests that recreate applicable test variables defined in the standard will ensure that the tested materials and components will be compatible. Certified testing labs with experience in this type of testing will establish and execute an appropriate test protocol.
Field experience
Components that have been in service and have not succumbed to corrosion over an appropriate period of time may be documented and considered a proof test for the specific application.
What materials can be used?
Depending upon the severity of the corrosive conditions, different materials may safely be employed. In these cases, metal choices are a function of cost. While Hastelloy® C22/C276 or titanium may be the best choice to ensure unquestionable compatibility, the price for these specialized metals would add unnecessary cost to facilities handling less harsh media.
NACE specifications are detailed and can be complex when addressing combinations of variables. Regardless, they are important and necessary requirements for the safe measurement and control of raw, corrosive gas and oil that have been extracted from the ground or seabed.
To learn more about NACE specifications, visit www.nace.org
This article was written by John Carissimi (Media Manager) and Jeremy Payne (Materials and Testing, Engineering Manager) of Ashcroft Inc. With over 160 years of experience, Ashcroft manufactures pressure and temperature instrumentation, including media isolation devices, for a wide variety of industries throughout the world, including oil and gas processes.
These pages have not been reviewed/approved by NACE® International and are offered as an introductory reference only. Specifiers and users should refer to the published NACE specifications to establish the correct materials for their applications.
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