---
title: "Organic Acid Corrosion"
slug: "organic-acid-corrosion"
updated: 2026-10-27T23:12:43Z
published: 2026-10-27T23:12:43Z
canonical: "ims-handbook.cenosco.com/organic-acid-corrosion"
---

> ## Documentation Index
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# Organic Acid Corrosion

Organic acids are hydrocarbons that contain a carboxylic acid group (­COOH). Formic acid is the first in a series of monocarboxylic acids, and is followed by higher carbon number organic acids such as acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, etc. Different types of organic acids are responsible for corrosion in different petrochemical industry processes.

Organic acid corrosion of carbon steel increases with increasing temperature and velocity/turbulence. Process streams containing organic acids above 120°C (250°F) have caused increased corrosion of carbon steel equipment and piping at flow velocities in excess of about 1.5 m/s (5 ft./s), especially when subject to highly turbulent or flashing conditions.

The non-molybdenum bearing grades of austenitic stainless steel (e.g., Type 304 SS, 321 SS, 347 SS) have partial resistance to organic acid. Molybdenum-bearing grades of austenitic stainless steel (e.g., Type 316 SS) are much more resistant to organic acid corrosion. Sensitised stainless steel is prone to rapid intergranular corrosion by particularly the organic acids with low carbon number (e.g. formic and acetic acid).

[PDF document](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/CEN.16.11751 - Organic Acid Corrosion.pdf?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T14%3A21%3A01Z&se=2026-10-28T15%3A21%3A01Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=3qjDFtVo3KCOAxg5C%2FaDGrCqchpY8vjcCNj%2BRNYSHtY%3D)