An Approach to Corrosion Mitigation for Wet Gas Pipelines

Relationship between flow regimes and corrosion mechanisms in pipelines is discussed. Flow regime affects how the water is delivered to the internal surface of the pipeline and the protective nature of the corrosion products / liquid hydrocarbon barrier film. Differences in corrosion mechanisms between CO₂, CO₂ + low H₂S, and CO₂ and high H₂S are also presented. Mitigation measures should be designed to match expected flow regimes and corrosion mechanisms during all phases of production including start up, steady state, shut-in, acid stimulation, etc. Different corrosion monitoring methods are compared. Verification of pressure containing capability by inspection is also key to a pipeline corrosion management program.