The influence of different surface conditions in the corrosion process of carbon steel in alkaline sour media

Different electrochemical methodologies were established to induce general corrosion and blistering on homogeneous and heterogeneous carbon steel surfaces similar to the corrosion damage in a catalytic oil refinery plant. In one case, the film porosity and the iron sulphide stoichiometry were modified and in other case, the surface conditions were changed with sulphur films and microblisters. Additionally, we studied the influence of 1018 carbon steel surface conditions on the corrosion process in a medium simulating the average composition of sour waters in catalytic plants of PEMEX Mexico (0.1 M (NH₄)₂S, 10 ppm CN^– as NaCN, pH 8.8). Using the impedance spectra, from 10 kHz to 0.01 Hz, it was possible to qualitatively identify the carbon steel surface condition in an alkaline sour environment and to suggest the same corrosion process steps for this system, despite different surface conditions: charge transfer resistance of steel oxidation in the metal/corrosion product film interface and Fe²⁺ ion and H° diffusion through the corrosion product film. Finally, scanning electron microscopy of a freshly polished surface showed the formation of a homogeneous film immediately after introducing the carbon steel into the sour media. The other surface changes depended on the induced corrosion process and corroborated the electrochemical impedance predictions.