United States. Researchers at Ohio University have developed a computer model to predict tube corrosion within the harsh oil and gas production conditions found below wellheads.
The researchers describe their computer model, which uses Microsoft Excel to predict corrosion in pipelines, along with other parameters such as pH, velocities, and iron-based rainfall along the production pipeline, which is the tube through which oil and the oil are produced.
"This model works by taking commonly measured field parameters – gas, water, and oil production rates, and water and gas compositions – as inputs and then calculates the corrosion rate at various depths along the pipeline," explained Kyle Addis, who recently completed her Master's degree in chemical and biomolecular engineering at Ohio University and is now working as a corrosion engineer for Clariant Oil Services.
Why is this work so important? Because it increases the accuracy with which corrosion can be predicted in oil and gas production environments. "This marks a new course for predicting corrosion in production pipelines," says Addis. "Most of the models available for corrosion in production pipes are empirical. My model is based on a theoretical model previously developed at Ohio University, called Freecorp, which allows its application in a wide range of conditions."
In terms of applications, the model will allow oil and gas producers to predict if/when the pipeline needs to be replaced. "Potentially, they could use it to help develop a corrosion mitigation strategy, meaning which wells need chemical additives to reduce corrosion and which don't. This will allow them to save time and money, as they are less likely to have a leak and tubes that are still usable are not replaced."
