An article in Process Worldwide highlights the need for inert coatings not passivation for accurate sulfur/H2S analysis. The article lists several advantages over passivation:
- Accurate sulfur data
- Zero delay in results
- No sample errors or false readings
- Improved yields
- Better cycle times
- Improved overall system reliability
Passivation, not the answer.
The article notes significant drawbacks to passivation including:
- Reduced inertness when exposed to clean gas
- Total loss of passivation within short duration
- Heated stainless steel does not passivate
- Potential of complete adsorption of sulfurs
The article states:
"The effect of passivation on sulphur storage and transport reliability is debated. Passivation is a technique that is based on the assumption that – if all active areas of a transport vessel or storage vessel are taken up by sulphur compounds, they are made inert to sulphur compounds. There have been studies to support this at low temperature for gas phase transport through low surface area regulators. It was demonstrated that purging a component with clean gas can reduce the inertness of the passivation with measurable impact occurring within one day and complete within one week. Additional data in the same study also demonstrated that heated stainless does not passivate, and complete adsorption of sulphurs will occur – no matter the conditions and previous exposure to sulphur compounds."
Read the complete article.
SilcoNert® is the inert surface for sulfur and H2S sampling and transport. SilcoNert can be applied to:
- Tubing (including heat trace tubing)
- Fittings
- Regulators
- Filters
- Probes
- Sample cylinders
