Abstract
Many of the important chemicals of today’s industrial economy require processing in the presence of hydrogen, at elevated temperatures and pressures, at some stage in their manufacture. The more familiar ones are ammonia, methanol, edible oils, and higher alcohols. In the petroleum-refining field, hydrogenation processes are becoming more and more important. In the future it can be anticipated that greater need for hydrogenation processes may arise, for example, hydrodesulphurization of crude oils or fractions therefrom, hydrogenation of carbon monoxide (Fischer-Tropsch), and destructive hydrogenation of oil residues or coal (Bergius process). These processes operate at high temperatures and pressures, where ordinary steels have their limits for safe operation. Although high-alloy steels can be used under these conditions, oftentimes more reasonably priced low-alloy steels are satisfactory. This paper summarizes the results of tests and data from operating plants, from which it is possible to establish practical operating limits for carbon and alloy steels for all degrees of severity of service. Additional corrosive effects by sulphur, nitrogen, and carbon monoxide are discussed.
