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Article
Publication date: 11 May 2018

L.M. Quej-Ake, A. Contreras and Jorge Aburto

The purpose of this research is to study different extra-heavy crude oil-in-water emulsions that can be found in practice for corrosion process of X52 steel adding 60 mg.L-1 of…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to study different extra-heavy crude oil-in-water emulsions that can be found in practice for corrosion process of X52 steel adding 60 mg.L-1 of non-ionic surfactant and a corrosion inhibitor (CI). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Tafel plots are carried out. Thus, Bode-modulus and Bode-phase angle plots are discussed. Adsorption isotherms obtained from corrosion rate (CR) values are taken into account.

Design/methodology/approach

Two-electrode arrangement is used to characterize the pseudo-capacitance values for X52 steel exposed to water and crude oil phases, mainly. Electrochemical evaluations for X52 steel exposed to extra-heavy crude oil-in-water emulsions are recorded in a conventional three-electrode cell to study the corrosion process as was documented in detail by Quej-Ake et al. (2015). Therefore, all electrodes are placed as close as possible to eliminate the iR-drop.

Findings

Pseudo-capacitance analysis shows that X52 steel immersed in oilfield produced water was more susceptible to corrosion than that immersed in ocean water solution and extra-heavy crude oil phase. After being analyzed, the X52 steel surface coverage and adsorption process for surfactant and CI could be concluded that surfactant could protect the metal surface. In a coalescence extra-heavy crude oil-in-water emulsion, the water medium generated a new solution that was more corrosive than the original water phase. Wash crude oil process was provoked in emulsion systems to sweep up the salts, mainly. Thus, corrosive species that can be recovered inside extra-heavy crude oil may appear, and in turn a new more corrosive solution could be obtained. Taking into account the straight line obtained in Bode-modulus plot for X52 exposed to extra-heavy crude oil, it is possible to point out that the negative value of the slope or R2 can be related to a coefficient (Jorcin et al., 2006). It is important to mention that electrochemical responses for X52 steel exposed to extra-heavy crude oil-in-water under coalescence emulsions revealed that corrosion and diffusion processes exist. Therefore, a possible good inhibitor is surfactant in emulsion systems.

Originality/value

CR and anodic and cathodic slopes suggest that the surfactant acted as mixed CI. Of these, susceptible anodic (MnS and perlite or cementite) and cathodic (ferrite) sites on steel surface could be affected, due to which physicochemical adsorption could happen by using electrochemical parameters analysis. Thus, no stable emulsions should be taken into account for extra-heavy crude oil transportation, because corrosion problems in atmospheric distillation process of the crude oil due to stable emulsion cannot be easily separated. In this manner, coalescent emulsions are more adequate for transporting extra-heavy crude oil because low energy to separate the water media is required.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 65 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 January 2018

L.M. Quej-Ake and A. Contreras

The purpose of this work is to study the corrosion rate of X52 pipeline steel exposed to three types of soils collected in Campeche State in México. The electrochemical evaluation…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to study the corrosion rate of X52 pipeline steel exposed to three types of soils collected in Campeche State in México. The electrochemical evaluation for X52 steel exposed to soils ranging from saturated soil until dry conditions was carried out for a period of 21 days. Owing to its versatility to study the steel corrosion process exposed to different types of soils, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiodynamic polarization and cyclic voltammetry tests were performed. Additionally, optical and electronic microscopy observations of the steel surface were carried out.

Design/methodology/approach

Electrochemical cell arrangement was described elsewhere (Quej-Ake et al., 2014). Owing to soil being an electrolytic system with high resistivity and impedance, all electrodes were placed as close as possible, and iR-drop compensation was taken into account using two rods of graphite as an auxiliary electrode. In addition, the conductivity of the soil (Rs) obtained from EIS was used to correct the potential of the working electrode according to iR-drop, and an analysis of ohmic drop from the polarization curves was carried out.

Findings

Saturated conditions of the three soils were initially considered as the most corrosive conditions for X52 steel surface. Finally, 21 days of immersion time was taken into account as the more drastic condition. So, according to results, X52 steel exposed to beach sand was more susceptible to the corrosion process (0.092 mm/year). iR corrected was negligible at low over-potentials region in saturated soils, which is inside the linear region of Tafel or the activation region. In addition, high cathodic peak potential value obtained from cyclic voltammetry for X52 steel exposed to saturated soil may be attributed to hydrogen evolution reaction and neutral pH.

Research limitations/implications

The paper has implications for research. It bridges the gap between theory and practice.

Originality/value

Cyclic voltammetry is a really important tool for the electrochemical analysis of the pipeline steel surface exposed to saturated soils, but is not adequate for analysis of steel exposed to dried soils. In addition, the physicochemical results show that fissures, voids and extra-oxygen presence could also affect the electrochemical responses obtained for X52 steel exposed to soils.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 65 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 November 2018

Luis Manuel Quej-Ake, Antonio Contreras, Hongbo Liu, Jorge L. Alamilla and Eliceo Sosa

The purpose of this paper is to study the corrosion rate for X52, X60, X65, X70 and X80 steel immersed in Mexican oilfield produced water. For the electrochemical characterization…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the corrosion rate for X52, X60, X65, X70 and X80 steel immersed in Mexican oilfield produced water. For the electrochemical characterization of the five steels rotating disk electrodes, 20°C, 30°C and 45°C of experimental temperature and 0, 500, 1,000 and 2,000 rpm of rotation speed were taken into account. The temperature dependence was analyzed using Arrhenius law. Thus, Rct values obtained from EIS data in comparison with the corrosion rate obtained from polarization curves data were taken into account. Hydrodynamic effects were analyzed by Rct and corrosion rate data.

Design/methodology/approach

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization techniques were used to assess the electrochemical behavior for five pipe steels steel immersed in a natural solution.

Findings

The resistance and corrosion rate taken from electrochemical tests decreased as temperature and hydrodynamic condition also decreased. In addition, the Arrhenius parameter revealed that the natural solution increased the corrosion rate as the activation energy decreased. Typical branches related to reduction-oxidation reaction (dissolution-activation process or corrosion products dissolution) on steel surface were discussed. Optical images analysis shows that corrosion products for X65 steel exposed to oilfield produced water can be attributed to more susceptibility to corrosion damage for this steel grade (Quej-Ake et al., 2018), which is increased with the temperature and rotation speed of the working electrode.

Originality/value

Corrosion process of the five steels exposed to oilfield produced water could be perceptive when Arrhenius analysis is taken into account. This is because oilfield produced water is the most aggressive condition (brine reservoir and sour water) for internal pipelines walls and storage tanks (brine tanks). Thus, stagnant condition was considered as a more extreme corrosive condition because produced water is stored in atmospheric stationary tanks as well as it is transported under laminar condition in zones where oilfield produced water is maintaining in the bottom of the pipe during the production, transporting and storing of the crude oil. In addition, a brief operational process for Reynolds number and the flowrate of the stock tank barrel per day (Q in STBD) using field and Reynolds number data is discussed.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 66 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 June 2018

L.M. Quej-Ake, A. Contreras, H.B Liu, J.L. Alamilla and E. Sosa

The purpose of this paper is to study the susceptibility to corrosion processes of X60, X65 and X70 steels immersed in sand-clay soil with pH 3.0, using electrochemical…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the susceptibility to corrosion processes of X60, X65 and X70 steels immersed in sand-clay soil with pH 3.0, using electrochemical techniques, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD).

Design/methodology/approach

Natural acidic soil sample was collected as close as possible to buried pipes (1.2 m in depth) in a Right of Way from south of Mexico. Both steels and soil were characterized through SEM and XRD. Then, open circuit potential was recorded for all steels exposed to soil at different exposure times. Thus, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was traced, and anodic polarization curves were obtained.

Findings

The steel corrosion processes started when the active sites were exposed to natural acidic soil. However, corrosion rates decreased for three steels as immersion time increased, obtaining the highest corrosion rate for X60 steel (0.46 mm/year for 5 h). This behavior could be attributed to corrosion products obtained at different exposure times. While, 5 h after removing corrosion products, X65 steel was more susceptible to corrosion (1.29 mm/year), which was corroborated with EIS analysis. Thus, corrosion products for the three steels exposed to natural acidic soil depended on different microstructures, percentage of pearlite and ferrite phases, in which different corrosion processes could occur. Therefore, the active sites for carbon steel surfaces could be passivated with corrosion products.

Practical implications

The paper identifies the any implication for the research.

Originality/value

Some anodic peaks could be caused by metallic dissolution and was recorded using high positive polarization (high field of perturbation). In addition, the inductive effects and diffusion process were interpreted at low frequency ranges using EIS. According to X-ray diffraction (XRD), acidic soil had Muscovite containing aluminum and iron phases that were able to generate hydrogen proton at the presence of water; it might be promoted at the beginning of deterioration on low carbon steels. Steel surface cleaning after removing corrosion products was considered to study the possible diffusion phenomena on damaged steel surfaces using EIS.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 65 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 January 2022

Luis Manuel Quej-Ake, Sergio García Jiménez, Hongbo Liu, J.L. Alamilla and Carlos Angeles-Chavez

The purpose of this paper is to study the corrosion process by examining the deterioration of X80 steel exposed to a real petroleum sample containing condensed hydrocarbon plus…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the corrosion process by examining the deterioration of X80 steel exposed to a real petroleum sample containing condensed hydrocarbon plus oilfield-produced water, which were subjected to stimulated emulsions in flowing media at 50°C.

Design/methodology/approach

The impedance and polarization spectra were used to assess the aggressiveness of the petroleum sample and tried to find a washing process using condensed hydrocarbon with deionized water. Mössbauer technique was used to identify the phases in precipitated ions obtained during an oven-drying procedure of the oilfield produced water.

Findings

The emulsion, chloride, sulphur compounds, heavy metals and the use of a double hydrodynamic system were the most important factors affecting the corrosion of X80 steel. The corrosion rate of this steel increased when oilfield-produced water was stimulated by a double hydrodynamic system (4.56 mm/year). It was determined to be 7.66 mm/year and 4.01 mm/year when steel was exposed to a stimulated emulsion using the petroleum sample and condensed hydrocarbon with deionized water at 24 h, respectively, suggesting that a significant process of hydrocarbon washing could occur and a more corrosive solution was highlighted. Mössbauer results showed that the ions precipitates included the following phases at Wt.%: magnetite (20.0), greigeite (22.8), siderite (3.2), pyrite (2.9), marcasite (26.7) and mackinawite (24.4).

Originality/value

A stimulated hydrocarbon/water emulsions with a more homogeneous solution containing high concentrations of saline compounds and heavy metals were used to simulate the susceptibility to corrosion on the internal pipeline steels exposed to any type of immiscible liquids such as condensed hydrocarbon, or crude oil, containing water. A practical application of the presented research could provide a novel framework for understanding the internal corrosion in pipelines from the simulation of washed hydrocarbons after the stimulated emulsions that can be found in the field. Because more susceptibility to corrosion for pipeline steels would be expected at the end of the transportation of the fluid. It is possible to investigate the possible corrosion mechanisms by using a dried oilfield-produced water sample interacting with the pipeline steels.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 69 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 January 2017

L.M. Quej-Ake, J. Marín-Cruz and A. Contreras

The purpose of this paper was to study the corrosion process of API X52, X60, X65, X70 and X80 steels exposed to two clay soils collected in two states of Mexico (Tabasco and…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to study the corrosion process of API X52, X60, X65, X70 and X80 steels exposed to two clay soils collected in two states of Mexico (Tabasco and Campeche). To saturate the soils, 60 mL of deionized water was added to simulate the conditions for dry and wet season, due to in field, the climate change could modifies the physicochemical properties of the soils for each season of the year and this generate a variable environment, which affect the electrochemical responses on steel–soil interface.

Design/methodology/approach

The corrosion evaluation was carried out simulating the conditions of deteriorated coating (bare steel); this includes steel surface exposed to clay soil affected by seasonal fluctuations in a tropical zone. These soils were characterized, without any further treatment as were found in the field (dry season). Moreover, some samples were taken and prepared to analyze in laboratory. For each soil sample, 60 mL of deionized water was added to simulate the rainy season (saturated soils). Electrochemical evaluations were carried out after 3 h of exposure time at room temperature. Because soil is a system with high resistivity and impedance, it is necessary to carry out IR-drop compensation using two platinum rods that were used as an auxiliary electrode. In addition, the IR-drop correction obtained from the experimental potentiodynamic curves was investigated.

Findings

In clay from Campeche (Clay-C), the more susceptible steel to corrosion was X65, whereas in clay from Tabasco (Clay-T), the more susceptible steel to corrosion was X80 steel. Electrochemical results show that despite higher-degree steels providing higher strength and hardness, the order of corrosion susceptibility is random, which can be attributed to different microstructures in the steels. The complexity of the corrosion process on five steels was evident when steel samples were exposed to different soils. The higher corrosion rate was obtained in X65 steel (0.5 mm/year).

Practical implications

The paper clearly identifies any implication for the research.

Originality/value

The electrochemical responses of different steels exposed in two types of clay soil explained the corrosion complexity that can be attributed to changes in physicochemical properties of the soils, which are because of changes in seasons (dry and rainy) and the microstructure of each steel related to the process of fabrication. Suggesting that the increase in mechanical properties such as hardness and resistance of the pipeline steels could not be associated with its corrosion resistance, the corrosion susceptibility is more dependent on the microstructure of the steels.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 64 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 January 2019

Luis Ricardo Jacobo, Rafael Garcia, Victor Hugo Lopez and Antonio Contreras

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of heat treatment (HT) applied to an API X60 steel in corrosion resistance and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) susceptibility…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of heat treatment (HT) applied to an API X60 steel in corrosion resistance and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) susceptibility through slow strain rate tests (SSRT) in NS4 solution and congenital water (CW) to assess external and internal SCC, respectively.

Design/methodology/approach

API X60 steel was heat treated at a temperature of 1,200°C for 30 min followed by water quenching. Specimens from this steel were machined according to NACE TM 198. SSRT were performed in a constant extension rate tests (CERT) machine at room temperature at a strain rate of 1 × 10–6 s–1. For this purpose, a glass cell was used. Corrosion behavior was evaluated through polarization curves (PCs).

Findings

The SCC index obtained from SSRT indicates that the steel heat treated could be susceptible to SCC in CW and NS4 solution; the mechanism of SCC was hydrogen embrittlement. Thus, CW may promote the SCC phenomenon in pipelines. HT improves the steel corrosion resistance. Higher corrosion rate (CR) was observed when the steel is exposed to CW. The corrosion process in X60 steel shows that the oxidation reaction in the anodic branch corresponds to an activation process, and the cathode branches reveal a diffusion process.

Originality/value

The purpose of the heat treatment applied to X60 steel was to generate a microstructure of acicular ferrite to improve the corrosion resistance and SCC behavior.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 66 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 January 2020

BaoJun Dong, Wei Liu, Fei Wu, JiaQi Zhu, Banthukul Wongpat, Yonggang Zhao, Yueming Fan and TianYi Zhang

The salinity of the oilfield produced water has a significant effect on steel corrosion. The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of salinity on corrosion behavior of…

Abstract

Purpose

The salinity of the oilfield produced water has a significant effect on steel corrosion. The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of salinity on corrosion behavior of X60 steel and it also provides basic for material selection of gas wells with high salinity.

Design/methodology/approach

The weight loss experiment was carried out on steel with high temperature and high pressure autoclave. The surface morphology and composition of corrosion scales were studied by means of scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometry.

Findings

The results show that as salinity increases, the corrosion rate of X60 steel will gradually experience a rapid decline stage and then a slow decline stage. X60 steel is mainly exhibiting uniform corrosion in the first rapid decline stage and pitting corrosion in the second slow decline stage. The increase in salinity reduces gas solubility, which, in turn, changes the morphology and density of the corrosion scales of X60 steel. At low salinity, loose iron oxides generated on the surface of the steel, which poorly protects the substrate. At high salinity, surface of the steel gradually forms protective films. Chloride ions in the saline solution mainly affect the structure of the corrosion scales and initiate pitting corrosion. The increased chloride ions lead to more pitting pits on the surface of steel. The recrystallization of FeCO3 in pitting pits causes the corrosion scales to bulge.

Originality/value

The investigation determined the critical concentration of pitting corrosion and uniform corrosion of X60 steel, and the new corrosion mechanism model was presented.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 67 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 December 2023

Yingying Li, Lanlan Liu, Jun Wang, Song Xu, Hui Su, Yi Xie and Tangqing Wu

The purpose of this paper is to study the corrosion behavior of Q235 steel in saturated acidic red and yellow soils.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the corrosion behavior of Q235 steel in saturated acidic red and yellow soils.

Design/methodology/approach

The corrosion behavior of Q235 steel in saturated red and yellow soils was compared by weight-loss, SEM/EDS, 3D ultra-depth microscopy and electrochemical measurements.

Findings

Rp of the steel gradually increases and icorr gradually decreases in both the red and yellow soils with time. The Rp of the steel in the red soil is lower, but its icorr is higher than that in the yellow soil. The uniform corrosion rate, diameter and density of the corrosion pit on the steel surface in the red soil are greater than those in the yellow soil. Lower pH, higher contents of corrosive anions and high-valence Fe oxides in the red soil are responsible for its higher corrosion rates and local corrosion susceptibility.

Originality/value

This paper investigates the difference in corrosion behavior of carbon steel in saturated acidic red and yellow soils, which can help to understand the mechanism of soil corrosion.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 January 2023

Hui Su, Lanlan Liu, Yang Yang, Zhen Zhong, Song Xu, Yi Xie and Tangqing Wu

The purpose of this paper is to study the corrosion behavior of Q235 steel in the bentonite-based resistance-reducing agent (RRA) with different infiltration rates of underground…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the corrosion behavior of Q235 steel in the bentonite-based resistance-reducing agent (RRA) with different infiltration rates of underground water.

Design/methodology/approach

The corrosion behavior of the steel in underground water was assessed by weight loss experiment, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and polarization curve.

Findings

The results showed that the corrosion rate of the steel in the RRA pastes was much lower than that in the original acidic soil. The underground water infiltration slightly accelerated the corrosion rate of the steel in the RRA pastes, but the acceleration role is weak. The bentonite-based RRA can be compatibly applied in the acidic soil.

Originality/value

The bentonite-based RRA can significantly reduce the corrosion rate of the steel and is suitable to compatibly apply in the acidic soil.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 70 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

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