The effect of alloying on the resistance of carbon steel for oilfield applications to CO2 corrosion

Abstract

A systematic study has been conducted to investigate the influence of a wide range of alloying elements and different processing conditions on the resistance of low-carbon steels to CO2 corrosion. Strong carbide-forming microalloying elements such as Ti, Nb and V, along with Cr additions, and different levels of Mn, Si, Cu, Mo and Ni, have been explored, along with treatments simulating different processing conditions, for example, controlled rolling, and quenching and tempering. Corrosion testing, including flow loop tests, has been carried out, along with evaluation of mechanical properties, weldability and hot ductility. The programme has developed steels with improved CO2 corrosion resistance and hence identified a potential route for producing more economical carbon steels for oilfield applications. The work has been carried out as part of the UK- Brazil Corrosion Network.

Keywords

• CO2 corrosion
• carbon steels
• microalloying