Fundamental Understanding Of Localised Corrosion In H2s-Containing Environments

The number of sour (H2S-containing) oil and gas fields worldwide is increasing, as sweet fields are being depleted and high oil prices vouch for profitable development of sour oil and gas finds. Sour oil and gas production and transport always imply a ris k of material damage and shutdowns due to CO2/H2S corrosion, and especially localised corrosion attacks. Development of these fields necessitates development of better, and more economical, corrosion control methods to prevent environmental hazards and pr oduction upsets caused by leaks and ruptures. Although a good understanding of the general corrosion mechanisms in sour environments has been developed, the mechanisms of localised corrosion attacks has yet to be satisfactorily explained. Thus, the obje ctive of the project will be to improve the understanding of localised CO2/H2S corrosion through experimental research and computer modelling. The advances in experimental methodology and modelling routines are expected to benefit research on other types localised corrosion as well. The challenge of predicting localised CO2/H2S corrosion must be solved through improved understanding of the behaviour of iron sulfide corrosion films; their mechanical properties, galvanic interactions between protective fil ms and pits, precipitation and heterogeneous reactions. The project will produce thermodynamic and kinetic data that are required for localised corrosion prediction for the industry. The knowledge gained will benefit the industry in design and operation of sour gas pipeline systems and other sour service facilities. This will be important for the Norwegian oil, service and supplier companies when they now are starting operations in other parts of the world with high amounts of H2S, and for international oil companies already operating in these areas. The project will run for 3 years with a budget of 2.5 MNOK per year. A PhD or post-doc study will be included in the project.