New Technology Effective In Reducing Top-Of-The-Line Corrosion Rate

摘要

In wet, sour, or carbon dioxide-containing multiphase gas production or gathering lines, top-of-the-line corrosion (TLC) can be a significant problem that may not be readily identified by conventional monitoring methods. While corrosion inhibitors are used to combat this problem, it is difficult to achieve effective wetting and inhibitor transfer to the upper portion of the internal pipe wall, T.D. Williamson, Inc. (TDW) worked with a European oil and gas company to develop a special pipeline pig called the V-Jet. The V-Jet uses a Venturi Effect to spray liquids (containing inhibitors) from the bottom of the pipe to the top. TDW recently teamed with another production operator to apply the technology to specific top-of-line corrosion problems. Ongoing tests reveal that it effectively transfers corrosion inhibitor from liquids in the lower portion of the pipeline to the upper surfaces of the pipe wall and significantly reduces corrosion rates (by an order of magnitude). The V-Jet is now used by the operator to enhance corrosion control as part of the normal de-watering process. This article describes characteristics of the V-Jet and best practices for mitigation and monitoring of TLC.