TRACK: Non-metallics
The OMV refinery in Schwechat, Austria, operates a wet sulphuric acid plant with a production capacity of about 2.5 - 9.5 t/h. The plant area in which the sulphuric acid is produced by condensation, is subject to high corrosion, in which regular steels and stainless steels would be destroyed quickly. In order to achieve sufficient resistance to this highly aggressive application conditions, a multi-layer structure consisting of four layers was used. However, the structure was chemically attacked and leaking with quite a few years.
Due to the apparent down times and the increasing repair costs OMV decided to fundamentally redesign the condenser area. The new development mainly focused on the selection of a suitable lining system that will withstand the harsh operating conditions. In the selection process, seven different products were evaluated and analyzed.
Based on the available long-term references and the investigation carried (exposure testing with 98% H2SO4 at 260°C) out, the PFA fixed-point lining system was specified as the optimal solution for flue gas desulphurisation units at OMV.
The first condenser at OMV was relined in 2018. Due to the success, the remaining three units followed in 2019, 2021 and 2022. All of them are successfully in operation until today.