Sulfidation corrosion is common in crude oil distillation,14 where naturally occurring sulfur and
sulfur compounds found in crude oil feed, such as hydrogen sulfide,15 react with steel piping and
equipment. Process variables that affect corrosion rates include the total sulfur content of the oil,
the sulfur species present, the flow conditions, and the system temperature. Virtually all crude oil
feeds contain sulfur compounds; as a result, sulfidation corrosion is a damage mechanism present
at every refinery that processes crude oil. Sulfidation corrosion can cause thinning to the point of
pipe failure when not properly monitored and controlled.