Reliable corrosion inhibition in the oil and gas industry

The objective of the work was to undertake a literature review on the subject of corrosion inhibition in the offshore oil and gas industry to understand the current issues. The application of chemical corrosion inhibitors can significantly reduce the rate of corrosion of carbon steel pipelines due to the presence of CO2 and/or H2S. An inhibited corrosion rate of 0.1 mm/year can typically be achieved, which is largely independent of the uninhibited corrosion rate. The report covers the main factors affecting the effectiveness of chemical corrosion inhibitors; they are not effective against corrosion due to the presence of oxygen or microbacterial corrosion. High flow rates, high temperature, solids (either dissolved or suspended) and pre-existing corrosion can all have a negative effect on corrosion inhibitor effectiveness. The role of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), the main factors affecting the performance of inhibition injection systems, and the levels of inhibitor availability that can be assumed at the design stage and achieved in practice are also discussed. This report and the work it describes were funded by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Its contents, including any opinions and/or conclusions expressed, are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect HSE policy. You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view the licence visit Some images and illustrations may not be owned by the Crown so cannot be reproduced without permission of the copyright owner. Enquiries should be sent to Objectives To undertake a literature review on the subject of corrosion inhibition in the oil and gas industry to understand the current issues. Main Findings • The application of chemical corrosion inhibitors can significantly reduce the rate of corrosion of carbon steel pipelines due to the presence of CO 2 and/or H 2 S. An inhibited corrosion rate of 0.1 mm/year can typically be achieved, which is largely independent of the uninhibited corrosion rate; • Various factors can affect the effectiveness of chemical corrosion inhibitors; they are not effective against corrosion due to the presence of oxygen or microbacterial corrosion. High flow rates, high temperature, solids (either dissolved or suspended) and pre-existing corrosion can all have a negative effect on corrosion inhibitor effectiveness; • The main Key Performance Indicator (KPI) used for assessing effectiveness of corrosion inhibitors is based on the proportion of time that …