Metal Dusting Protective Coatings. A Literature Review

Metal dusting is a catastrophic form of carburization attack that takes place in carbon-supersaturated gaseous atmospheres, and is most commonly encountered in steam reforming processes such as the production of hydrogen or syngas for ammonia, Fischer–Tropsch and methanol applications. The consequence of metal dusting can be a severe loss of metal from the process units, leading to high-cost maintenance and serious safety issues. The present literature review discusses the latest developments within metal dusting protection of alloys with special emphasis on protective coatings. In the first part of the paper, an overview of the main theories for metal dusting of alloys as well as fundamental studies is provided. In the second part, the paper focuses on the different methods to prevent metal dusting, including surface poisoning, alloying, chemical, mechanical and laser treatments as well as coatings. Particular focus is given to coatings and their composition, and fabrication methods, and a critical analysis of the different materials’ behaviours and the suitability perspectives of deposition techniques are provided.