Corrosion of carbon steel pipes and tanks by concentrated sulfuric acid: A review

The corrosion of carbon steel storage tanks and pipes by concentrated sulfuric acid is a great concern. The contact of carbon steel with concentrated sulfuric acid generates an immediate acid attack with the formation of hydrogen gas and ferrous ions, which, in turn, form a protective layer of FeSO4 on the metallic surface. This work presents a review of carbon steel corrosion in concentrated sulfuric acid. The corrosion mechanism of carbon steel in sulfuric acid, accelerating factors, types of carbon steel corrosion and the preventive methods against this corrosion are outlined.

A review on the corrosion of carbon steel by concentrated sulfuric acid is presented. The corrosion mechanism, the accelerating factors, types of corrosion and preventive methods are discussed.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Corrosion of carbon steel by concentrated sulfuric acid is reviewed.
► Storage and transportation of sulfuric acid in carbon steel pipes and tanks.
► Formation of a protective layer of FeSO4 on carbon steel surface.
► Corrosion mechanism, accelerating factors and types of corrosion of carbon steel by concentrated sulfuric acids.
► Preventive methods against carbon steel corrosion by concentrated sulfuric acid.