A mechanistic model for flow accelerated corrosion prediction of a 90° carbon steel elbow in CO2 environments

Abstract

A mechanistic model for the prediction of CO₂ flow accelerated corrosion (FAC) at a 90° carbon steel elbow is developed. Homogenous chemical reactions, electrochemical reactions at the metal/solution interface and mass transfer of corrosion species are covered in present proposed model. The distribution of corrosion rate at different positions of a three-dimensional 90°elbow in single-phase CO₂-contained oilfield formation water, which are consistent with flow field, are numerically modeled. The numerical prediction of corrosion rate distribution at the elbow exhibits good accordance with experimental data. The developed model provides theoretical foundation for the understanding of FAC mechanisms and corrosion prevention, thus guaranteeing security and reliability levels during oil/gas production and transportation.