Computer model predicts corrosion in oil and gas production tubing

Citation

(2015), "Computer model predicts corrosion in oil and gas production tubing", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 62 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/ACMM.12862caa.002.html

Computer model predicts corrosion in oil and gas production tubing

Article Type: Methods From: Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Volume 62, Issue 3

Ohio University researchers have developed a computer model to predict tubing corrosion within the harsh oil and gas production conditions found below wellheads.

Inspired by the oil and gas industry’s need for a method to predict tubing corrosion within the harsh production conditions found below wellheads, Ohio University researchers have built a computer model capable of doing that and then some.

In the December issue of CORROSION journal, the researchers describe their computer model, which uses Microsoft Excel to predict tubing corrosion, along with other parameters such as pH, velocities and iron-based precipitates along production tubing, which is the tube through which oil and gas are produced:

This model works by taking commonly measured field parameters–gas, water, oil production rates, gas and water compositions–as inputs and then calculates the corrosion rate at various depths along the tubing, explains Kyle Addis, who recently completed his Masters in chemical and biomolecular engineering at Ohio University and is now working as a corrosion engineer for Clariant Oil Services in The Woodlands, Texas.

Why is this work so significant? Because it increases the accuracy with which corrosion can be predicted in oil and gas production environments. “It marks a new direction for production tubing corrosion prediction”, Addis says:

Most models available for production tubing corrosion are empirical. My model builds upon a theoretical model developed previously at Ohio University called FREECORP, which allows for its application over a wide range of conditions.

In terms of applications, the model will enable oil and gas producers to predict if or when their tubing needs to be replaced:

They could potentially use it to help develop a corrosion mitigation strategy, that is, which wells need chemicals added to reduce corrosion and which ones don’t. This will allow them to save both time and money, because they are less likely to have a leak and won’t be replacing tubing that’s still usable.

Future students can make “further refinements such as the effects of nonferrous scales–calcium, barium, etc.”, Addis notes.

More information is available from: http://www.nace.org