The Kinetics and Inhibition of Chloride Hydrolysis in Canadian Bitumen

Abstract

Chloride salts in heavy oils can cause significant corrosion and fouling of refinery equipment, because desalting is not completely effective. The kinetics of the reaction of chloride salts with steam in diluted bitumen at 250°C was affected by reaction and diffusion in the solid salt particles. Four inhibitors based on alkaline–earth compounds were effective in reducing the initial rate of hydrolysis, thereby offering potential protection to refinery equipment. Chlorides were retained by the inhibitors even at 550°C. The physical association between salt particles and the inhibitors suspended in the crude oil was important for effective trapping of released chloride.