Corrosion in Petroleum Production Operations

This article discusses the particular corrosion problems encountered and the corrosion control methods used in petroleum production (i.e., upstream) and the storage and transportation of oil and gas (i.e., midstream) up to the refinery (i.e., downstream). These control methods include proper material selection, protective coatings, cathodic protection systems, use of inhibitors, use of nonmetallic materials, and control of the environment. The article reviews the aspects of corrosion that tend to be unique to corrosion as encountered in applications involving oil and gas exploration and production. It discusses corrosion problems that are specific to the various types of environments or equipment used in secondary recovery, including producing wells, producing flow lines, and injection wells. Corrosion mitigation methods and guidelines are also discussed for each type of environment.