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Abstract
In the present work, the susceptibility of API 5L X52 steel to corrosion processes was evaluated in the presence of high contents of hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide. Gravimetric tests and surface analyses were carried out to establish both the corrosion rate and damage type exhibited by the metal. The obtained results indicate that the hydrogen sulfide is the most active gas in the corrosion processes that took place, quite above carbon dioxide. The main observed corrosion products were iron sulfides and the typical damage associated with hydrogen sulfide presence was Sulfide Stress Cracking (SSC). The surface damage evidences the presence of cracks with considerable magnitude and metal loss as consequences of the corrosion processes. Likewise, the presence of oxygen in the system modifies the displayed corrosion type, where corrosion products such as iron oxides and reduction in the number and extent of cracks are observed. On the other hand, the addition of a film-forming corrosion inhibitor based on modified imidazolines eliminates completely the development of cracks, although under certain test conditions, it can favor localized pitting corrosion.
Highlights
The quality of crude oil transported through pipelines is subjected to constant changes according to the exploitation time of reservoirs
The analysis of the corrosion products formed during the performed tests with hydrogen sulfide/carbon dioxide saturation shows that iron sulfides prevail at both test temperatures, with values above 80 weight%
According to the obtained results and considering the test conditions featured in the present work, the hydrogen sulfide content exerts a higher impact on the corrosion processes occurring at the API 5L X52 steel coupons, as the mainly observed corrosion products are sulfides and no carbonate presence is detected
Summary
The quality of crude oil transported through pipelines is subjected to constant changes according to the exploitation time of reservoirs. From the corrosion point of view and for the case of the Gulf of Mexico region, currently, the transported hydrocarbons present, on average, maximal hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide contents in the order of 4% in the gas, in addition to around 20% of formation free water in oil. These fluids are handled under acceptable security conditions throughout the pipeline network already present in the region, which is made mainly of API 5L X52 steel
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