Corrosion pyrophoric deposits as promoters of self-ignition of storage tanks with sour crude oil

The causes of the formation and the conditions for self-ignition of pyrophoric deposits in the vapor zone of tanks during the storage of sour crude oil were considered. It was demonstrated that creation of an oxygen-free atmosphere inside oil storage tanks seems to be the most promising approach to prevention of self-ignition and corrosion. This approach was effected in practice by supplying oil tanks with nitrogen from a membrane gas separator.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]