Careers Protecting Carbon Capture Assets from CO₂ Corrosion
Technical Challenges in CCUS Operations
CO₂ corrosion (also known as “sweet corrosion”) poses significant operational challenges to carbon capture facilities. The reaction between CO₂ and moisture forms carbonic acid, which causes electrochemical degradation of carbon steel infrastructure. This corrosion mechanism can result in:
- Equipment failure
- Process interruptions
- Significant production losses
- Integrity and containment issues
CO₂ Corrosion Mechanism and Variables
Electrochemical Process
The reaction pathway of CO₂ corrosion follows this sequence:
CO₂ + H₂O → H₂CO₃ (carbonic acid) → H⁺ + HCO₃⁻ (bicarbonate ion)
This electrochemical process accelerates material degradation in carbon capture systems where high concentrations of CO₂ are present, leading to increased corrosion rates compared to conventional process equipment.
Key Variables Affecting Corrosion Rates
These quantifiable parameters influence the rate and extent of CO₂ corrosion:
- Operating temperature
- System pressure
- Flow characteristics
- Water chemistry (pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen)
- CO₂ partial pressure
- Concentration of process impurities (SOx, NOx, O₂)
Critical Equipment Susceptibility Analysis
High-Risk Components in CCS Systems
Carbon capture facilities exhibit specific corrosion vulnerabilities in the following systems.
Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS) Infrastructure
- Absorption towers and regeneration units
- High-pressure CO₂ compression systems
- Long-distance transportation pipelines
- Injection wells and underground storage facilities
Process Equipment with Elevated Corrosion Risk
- Regenerator columns in amine systems
- Wet gas handling systems
- CO₂ strippers and reboilers
- Internal piping systems and weld seams
Case Studies in CO2 Corrosion Mitigation
1. Carbon Capture Project on US Gulf Coast
A CCS project required a material solution when the specified coating was determined to be incompatible with the high-temperature calciner environment. Project economics indicated potential losses of $500,000 per day of delay.
Technical Response
- 24-hour mobilization timeline
- Material selection based on temperature, oxygen, and CO₂ exposure parameters
- IGS presented proven HVTS® high-nobility alloy cladding references from similar applications, validating the solution for this carbon capture facility
- HVTS® high-nobility alloy cladding application in two phases
- 80% of critical surfaces completed during the initial phase
Results
Project schedule maintained with projected service life of equipment exceeding design specifications. The HVTS process introduced no material heat input, preventing additional stress to the base material that could initiate corrosion problems in later stages.
2. LNG Plant Regenerator Column
An LNG facility identified failure of conventional thermal spray coating in a regenerator column, with metallographic examination showing micro-cracking and blistering throughout the vessel.
Implementation Strategy
- 10-day mobilization from initial contact
- Removal of failed coating using controlled surface preparation methods
- Application of 40m² of HVTS® cladding meeting NACE and API specifications
- No heat treatment required
- Completed within scheduled outage window
Results
Equipment returned to service with integrity verification via DFT, adhesion testing, and helium leak detection. Following successful implementation and positive results from initial tests conducted over several years of service, the client was impressed with the professional approach and performance reliability of the HVTS® solution. Based on this proven track record, they expanded the application to additional amine process vessels across their facility.
HVTS® Technology for In-Situ Corrosion Mitigation
High Velocity Thermal Spray (HVTS) technology offers superior protection against CO₂ corrosion through:
- Engineered NiCrMo alloys specifically designed for aggressive process environments
- Dense, impermeable protective barrier against corrosive agents
- High durability ensuring vessel integrity throughout operational lifespan
- Versatility in application to complex geometries, including internal piping and weld seams
Key Advantages of Advanced Cladding Systems
- Superior resistance to wet CO₂ corrosion and other acidic environments
- Protection against high-temperature sulfidation and impurities in CO₂ streams
- Rapid on-site application during planned maintenance turnarounds
- 3× faster application than welding
- Compatible with existing weld overlays
- No welding-related distortion
- Proven performance in the world’s largest energy facilities for over 30 years
Best Practices for CO₂ Corrosion Prevention
Proactive Approach to Corrosion Management
Implementing comprehensive prevention strategies requires:
- Expert material selection based on specific process conditions
- Surface protection technologies appropriate to the corrosion mechanism
- Regular monitoring and inspection protocols
- Rapid response capabilities for emergency situations
Quantifiable Performance Improvements
Implementation of comprehensive corrosion management systems yields the following measurable outcomes:
- Equipment service life extension by 15+ years
- Maintenance cost reduction of 30-50% over equipment lifecycle
- Downtime reduction demonstrated across multiple case studies
- Integrity management compliance with API 571/584 standards
- Mitigation of unplanned failure modes
Technical Consultation
Carbon capture operations require corrosion mitigation strategies specific to CO₂-rich process environments. HVTS® technology offers a field-proven solution for extending equipment life and maintaining operational efficiency.
Technical specifications and case studies are available upon request to assist engineering teams in evaluating solutions for specific process vessels and equipment susceptible to CO₂ corrosion mechanisms.