Localized CO2 corrosion propagation at moderate FeCO3 supersaturation initiated by mechanical removal of corrosion scale

Abstract

The propagation of localized CO2 corrosion was investigated at moderate iron carbonate supersaturation using an artificial defect method with re-formed corrosion scale. A mechanical tool was developed which locally removed pre-formed iron carbonate scale and initiated localized corrosion at a FeCO3 supersaturation of 3–10. The localized corrosion rate was calculated based on electrochemical measurement using a simplified algorithm and was also measured at the deepest part of the defect using scanning electron microscopy. Localized corrosion was driven by a galvanic cell established between the two surfaces exposed in the artificial defect where an open circuit potential difference was maintained.