Corrosion in supercritical CO2 by diffusion of flue gas acids and water

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) includes processing of supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2). The carbon dioxide (CO2) stemming from flue gases contains acid forming impurities, especially in the case of coal fired power plants. In the present work, the mobility and reactivity of acids in supercritical scCO2 was investigated. The corrosive attack of low alloyed carbon steel (material 1.0484) by water (H2O) alone in scCO2 was negligible. Nitric acid (HNO3) was very mobile and corrosive towards the carbon steel while sulfuric acid did not migrate through the scCO2 to react with the steel surface. Hydrochloric acid in scCO2 was very mobile and reactive towards both carbon steel and high alloyed test equipment. Gravimetric analyses revealed a severe material loss after corrosion in the presence of HNO3. Thickness measurements showed localized material losses.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Different flue gas acids show different behaviors in supercritical CO2.
► Sulfuric acid does not diffuse into supercritical CO2 to cause corrosion.
► Nitric acid is reactive and leads to severe materials losses.
► Hydrochloric acid is very reactive even towards high alloyed stainless steel.