Abstract: Aiming at the corrosion problem of sulfolane-solvent-based aromatics extraction unit, the conditions and characteristics of corrosion were analyzed from three aspects: process conditions, raw material properties and solvents through field investigation. The composition of corrosion samples was analyzed and the aromatics extraction process was simulated. Simulation of adsorption, chloride ion distribution, corrosion and solvent regeneration were conducted to find the solutions. The results showed that the sulfolane decomposition products and the chlorine in raw materials were the main causes for corrosion; anionic resin could effectively improve the pH value of solvents and reduce corrosion; chloride ions were mainly concentrated at the bottom of regeneration tower. Regular cleaning of the residual liquid at the bottom of regeneration tower could effectively reduce the chlorine content of solvents, which is conducive to solving the corrosion problem. It is concluded that using stainless steel can prevent corrosion effectively.

Key words: aromatics extraction, corrosion, ionIc resin, chlorine