Corrosion Failure of 4" Pipeline of a Gas Production Well in Egypt Western Desert

Abstract

A corroded part of a 4 ʺ pipe of AG which is a gas producing well came to production since July 2011. It was sent to CMRDI to investigate the failure analysis of the failed pipe. Severe corrosion was observed in the 6 O'clock position inside the pipe. Combined erosion and pitting corrosion occurred on the bottom (6 Oʹ clock) of the failed pipe. The Corrosion attack is thought to occur due to associated condensate waterwhich is relatively high (as this case).Water is mostly acidic due to the high concentration of CO2 which dissolves in water forming carbonic acid H2CO3. High corrosive nature of water is also evident from the great amounts of chloride present in the condensate water. It is suggested that proper treatment of the problem can rely on the use of suitable corrosion inhibitor and also increase the efficiency of dewatering process to decrease the amount of water associated with the flowing gas.