Corrosion of Sulfur Removal Tanks in Landfill Gas Processing

This article examines corrosion in sulfur-removal tanks used during landfill-gas processing. It focuses on the material-failure concerns associated with this equipment and its operating environment. Read the full article, “Corrosion of Sulfur Removal Tanks Used in the Processing of Landfill Gas,” published in the Journal of Failure Analysis and Prevention, for the complete analysis.

Abstract

Stainless steel tanks used in processing landfill gas experienced significant, accelerated corrosion leading to their sudden removal from service and unplanned operational downtime. A root cause investigation limited to visual and microscopic examination and EDS analysis was conducted on sections of the tank walls and confirmed under-deposit corrosion was the primary corrosion mechanism. 

Non-regenerable H2S removal media was used to remove hydrogen sulfide from the landfill gas and had direct contact with the tank walls, creating crevice-like regions where localized corrosion could take place. The corrosion mechanism was driven by sulfur, despite the presence of chloride in the H2S removal media. 

Corrosion products containing high levels of sulfur confirmed that hydrogen sulfide combined with moisture in the landfill gas formed an aggressive, corrosive environment that led to the formation of pits.