Naphthenic Acid Inhibitors

Naphthenic Acid Inhibitors for Vacuum Distillation Protection

Naphthenic acid inhibitors are specialized chemical additives designed to neutralize and mitigate the corrosive effects of organic acids present in crude oil during high-temperature refining processes. These inhibitors form protective films on metal surfaces to prevent acid attack while maintaining process efficiency. UNPChemicals offers dual-technology solutions through its EUMET series (featuring castor oil polyoxyethylene ether for superior film persistence) and PCMET series (utilizing alkyl phosphate ester for enhanced thermal stability), providing comprehensive protection for vacuum distillation units processing high-TAN (Total Acid Number) crude oils. The synergistic action of these chemistries effectively safeguards critical equipment including transfer lines, heat exchangers, and column internals against naphthenic acid-induced corrosion and high-temperature degradation.

Naphthenic acid inhibitors are chemical formulations specifically engineered to combat the destructive effects of organic acids present in crude oil during refinery vacuum distillation processes. These specialized additives work by creating protective molecular barriers on metal surfaces exposed to high-temperature acidic environments, effectively neutralizing corrosive compounds before they can attack equipment. UNPChemicals' comprehensive protection system combines the EUMET series with its unique castor oil polyoxyethylene ether formulation for durable surface protection and the PCMET series featuring alkyl phosphate ester technology for enhanced high-temperature performance. Together, these inhibitor systems provide reliable defense for vacuum columns, transfer lines, and heat exchangers processing corrosive crude oils, helping refiners safely process opportunity crudes while minimizing equipment degradation and unplanned maintenance.

What are Naphthenic acid inhibitors?

Naphthenic acid inhibitors are protective chemical agents that form neutralizing barriers on metal surfaces to prevent corrosive attack from organic acids in crude oil, particularly during high-temperature refining operations like vacuum distillation.

What are the main types of Naphthenic acid inhibitors?
Primary inhibitor chemistries include polyol esters, phosphate esters, and sulfurized compounds, with UNPChemicals' EUMET and PCMET series combining castor oil derivatives and alkyl phosphate esters for optimized performance in severe service conditions.

Where are Naphthenic acid inhibitors applied?
These inhibitors are critical for vacuum distillation units, crude/vacuum pipestills, and side-cut systems processing acidic crudes (TAN >1.0), especially in units experiencing temperatures between 220-400°C where naphthenic acid corrosion peaks.

How to select Naphthenic acid inhibitors?
Selection requires evaluating crude TAN, sulfur content, distillation temperatures, and metallurgy, prioritizing thermally stable inhibitors with proven performance at the unit's specific acid corrosion risk zones.

Why use combined inhibitor systems like EUMET+PCMET?
Dual-component systems provide multi-mechanism protection - EUMET's film-forming polyethers prevent acid contact while PCMET's phosphate esters passivate metal surfaces, delivering superior coverage compared to single-chemistry products in variable crude slates.

What operational benefits do these inhibitors provide?
Beyond corrosion control, they reduce fouling in heat exchangers, minimize iron contamination of distillates, and extend run lengths between maintenance turnarounds, directly improving refinery economics when processing opportunity crudes.

Naphthenic Acid Inhibitor Supplier

UNPChemicals is a professional and trusted naphthenic acid inhibitors supplier manufacturing high quality and a comprehensive range of naphthenic acid inhibitors tailored to your specific crude oil characteristics and refining conditions. Our EUMET and PCMET series naphthenic acid inhibitors are specially formulated to provide reliable protection against high-temperature acid corrosion in your vacuum distillation units.

If you are looking for high-performance naphthenic acid inhibitor solutions that effectively neutralize organic acids, form durable protective films, and extend equipment lifespan, feel free to contact our technical team for expert recommendations. We provide customized inhibitor formulations for all your high-TAN crude processing needs.