3367 Guidelines for injection of corrosion inhibitors in oil and gas production systems

Overview:

This first edition technical publication provides guidance for the injection of corrosion inhibitors for corrosion control in oil and gas production systems. This document serves two purposes:

− Guidance on chemical injection systems used for deployment of corrosion inhibitors.

− Dissemination of associated knowledge for the benefit of persons wishing to learn more about corrosion management using oilfield chemicals.

This guidance document builds on the HSE research report RR1023 Reliable corrosion inhibition in the oil and gas industry, and draws on expert industry experience to help operating companies to minimise the risk of pitfalls associated with the application of corrosion inhibitors.

This publication contains information relating to the technical and management aspects of corrosion inhibitor injection, from identifying the initial need for a corrosion inhibitor, through considerations for selecting the right chemical, practical guidance on their deployment, and ensuring chemical performance by means of appropriate monitoring.Corrosion inhibitors used to mitigate the effects of corrosion in oilfield systems is a well-established and effective practice in oil and gas fields around the world. However, the use of carbon steel plus chemical inhibition does carry potential residual corrosion risks, which require ongoing management and effective chemical injection to ensure their effectiveness and that risks are managed to as low as reasonably practicable. 

An additional purpose of this guidance document is to highlight considerations for continued operation of producing fields and the resulting challenges for systems that require extended life operation from carbon steel equipment and supporting corrosion inhibitor injection systems. Through effective design and operation, corrosion inhibitor injection systems can provide flexible and reliable corrosion mitigation of carbon steel throughout the anticipated life of producing fields.