Corrosion Inhibitors
Cortron® Products for Managing Corrosion in the Oilfield
The production of gas and oil is often accompanied by water, either from the formation, from condensation, or from water injected as lift assist. Acid gases, such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are often present in produced fluids, and oxygen is sometimes a contaminant in the water used for injection. These acid gases increase the corrosivity of the waters to steel, and can significantly impact the safe operating life of production tubulars and equipment, production vessels, and transportation systems.
The presence or absence of multiple phases (gas, water, and oil or condensate) in the same system can complicate the problem of controlling corrosion. The flow regime or pattern of fluids in a tubing string, vessel, or pipeline can have a significant impact on corrosivity. If a well or pipeline experiences “slug” or intermittent flow, highly corrosive conditions may exist in the area of the pipe in slug flow.
Pipelines can experience top-of-line corrosion when conditions promote the rapid condensation of water in a cooler section of the line, causing a film of water to form at the top of the line. This water at the top of the pipe becomes saturated with acid gases and corrodes the pipe. A further complication is a change in conditions, such as flow rate, temperature, and pressure over the life of a well, production or processing system, or pipeline, which can result in changing corrosivity or even a change in the potential corrosion mechanisms.
The control of corrosion in the oilfield can be a complex problem, requiring detailed analysis and a thorough understanding of the range of conditions expected during the life of the system prior to the development of a corrosion management plan. Champion’s Cortron® product line consists of a number of corrosion inhibitor formulations – some have been developed to address specific corrosion problems and others have been formulated to have wide applicability. Cortron® products are proven performers with a solid history of “raising the bar” in providing cost-effective corrosion protection in all oilfield operations. Champion’s corrosion inhibitors are effective in the severe environments found in cutting-edge production systems such as those found in the North Slope, the Gulf of Mexico, Canada, Asia Pacific, and other geographic regions. Applications include controlling corrosion in all types of oilfield operations, including oil and gas production, processing, and transportation systems.
The composition of particular oilfield brine, system temperature, and the composition of hydrocarbons in the system affect the solubility of oilfield corrosion inhibitors. Champion’s field sales and service personnel are a key component to Champion’s overall corrosion management programs. By having a thorough knowledge of the interplay of system effects on the performance of a corrosion inhibitor, knowledge of production operations, and lots of experience in the application of corrosion inhibitors, coupled with a wide selection of existing products, Champion personnel form the backbone of the Company’s ability to improve customer’s profits. This profit enhancement is accomplished by extending asset life, reducing failure rates, maintaining operability of systems, and by allowing customers the ability to manage risk associated with corrosion.