The Effect of Condensate Oil on the Spontaneous Combustion of Tank Corrosion Products Based on Thermodynamics

Wenjing Zang, Jianhai Wang, Shuo Wang, Shuo Yuan, Qi Zeng, Huanran Zhang and Hui Liu ()
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Wenjing Zang: College of Energy Environment and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
Jianhai Wang: College of Energy Environment and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
Shuo Wang: College of Energy Environment and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
Shuo Yuan: College of Energy Environment and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
Qi Zeng: College of Energy Environment and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
Huanran Zhang: College of Energy Environment and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
Hui Liu: College of Energy Environment and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 10, 1-19

Abstract: Condensate oil, due to its inherent physical and chemical properties, can accelerate the spontaneous combustion of corrosion products in storage tanks during transportation or storage, posing significant risks to the safety and sustainability of energy infrastructure. While prior research has primarily examined crude oil or reactive sulfur effects on tank corrosion, the mechanistic role of condensate oil in promoting corrosion product ignition remains unclear. To address this knowledge gap, this study investigates the impact of condensate oil on simulated tank corrosion product compounds (STCPCs) through a combination of microstructural analysis (XRD and SEM) and thermal behavior characterization (TG-DSC). The results reveal that condensate oil treatment markedly increases STCPC surface roughness, inducing crack formation and pore proliferation. These structural changes may enhance the adsorption of O 2 and condensate oil, thereby amplifying STCPC reactivity. Notably, condensate oil reduces the thermal stability of STCPC, increasing its spontaneous combustion propensity. DSC analysis further demonstrates that condensate oil introduces additional exothermic peaks during oxidative heating, releasing heat that accelerates STCPC ignition. Moreover, condensate oil lowers the apparent activation energy of STCPC by 1.44 kJ/mol and alters the dominant reaction mechanism. These insights advance the understanding of corrosion-induced spontaneous combustion and highlight critical sustainability challenges in petrochemical storage and transportation. By elucidating the hazards associated with condensate oil, this study provides actionable theoretical guidance for improving the safety and environmental sustainability of energy logistics. Future work should explore mitigation strategies, such as corrosion-resistant materials or optimized storage conditions, to align industrial practices with sustainable development goals.

Keywords: spontaneous combustion; condensate oil; corrosion products in oil tanks; thermodynamics analysis; energy storage sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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