Effect of O2 and Temperature on Sour Corrosion

Various compounds containing sulfur in different oxidation states can be formed in the presence of oxygen, causing increased general and localized corrosion and making prediction of sour corrosion a difficult task. A systematic study has been initiated to generate more data relevant to oil and gas pipelines where oxygen and H₂S are present. The methodology for in situ monitoring of the behavior on sour aqueous system with/without O₂ was developed in a closed system to study the equilibrium and possible reactions of H₂S and O₂, providing clues for assessing reaction paths and kinetics. The effects of temperature and exposure time with/without presence of O₂ were also studied on a sour corrosion system.

Keywords: sour corrosion, O₂ effect, localized corrosion