CRACKING CORROSION OF LOW CARBON STEEL IN ENVIRONMENT WITH A HIGH CONCENTRATION OF CO2 AND H2S

Abstract

Cracking corrosion of API 5CT Grade L80 Type 1 low carbon steel has been studied in a in brine solutions with H2S 12.3 psia and CO2 9.4 psia. Testing was performed according to the methodology reference from the NACE TM0177, Bent-beam test method in solution B for stress corrosion cracking and sulfide stress corrosion cracking test and NACE TM0284, immersion test method in solution A for Hydrogen induced cracking test.The obtained results showed pitting and general corrosion at both temperatures of 24 oC and 82 oC. In case of stress corrosion cracking (SCC) testing at 82 °C, microscopy of the samples tested for 30 days developed pitting corrosion in the surface and cracking starting in the surface of the samples. The cracks, mostly found in the middle of the samples where the maximum bending occurred. General corrosion was also observed in the samples, with significant decrease in the dimensions of the samples after testing (due to general corrosion). However, in case of sulfide stress corrosion (SSC) and hydrogen induced cracking (HIC) tests at room temperature (24-25 oC), no cracking was observed on the sample.