On-line, Real-Time Optimization of Corrosion Inhibitors in the Field

Abstract A multi-technique electrochemical corrosion monitoring approach was used to differentiate between general and localized corrosion activity in a water injection system. The data obtained clearly identified, in real-time, the localized corrosion that resulted in failures in the system. This approach showed benefit over and above 'conventional' corrosion monitoring techniques (e.g. Linear Polarization Resistance and coupons) that had failed to identify the corrosion risk or enable an assessment of cause. Subsequent to identifying the type of corrosion in the system, the real-time corrosion monitoring enabled a suitable corrosion inhibitor to be identified and optimized in the field to mitigate the corrosion. The findings from the study have been confirmed by weight loss coupon data and 'conventional' monitoring techniques after implementation of a treatment program using the optimized corrosion inhibitor formulation.