Managing Corrosion in Oil & Gas Exploration

Introduction:

Corrosion remains a primary cause of significant losses in the oil and gas exploration industry, impacting both environmental and economic aspects. With billions allocated annually for corrosion management, it is crucial for stakeholders to adopt effective and practical strategies. Ensuring that facilities are protected against corrosion is essential for smooth operations and involves a systematic approach to predicting corrosion rates, estimating asset lifespan, and implementing preventive measures. Engineering consulting services play a vital role in developing comprehensive corrosion management plans, addressing regulatory challenges, and utilizing materials, chemistry, and coatings effectively.

Objectives:

By the end of this corrosion control course in the oil and gas exploration industry, participants will:

• Understand the techniques and methods for calculating and controlling corrosion in oil and gas exploration and production.
• Gain a comprehensive overview of corrosion issues specific to the oil and gas sector, including challenges and types of corrosion.
• Examine different materials used in the industry and their susceptibility to corrosion.
• Develop a corrosion monitoring approach and learn basic principles of corrosion management.
• Acquire the skills and knowledge needed to manage and prevent corrosion effectively in oil and gas exploration.

Training Methodology:

• Interactive lectures
• Case studies
• Hands-on simulations
• Group discussions
• Field visits
• Technical presentations
• Problem-solving workshops

Course Outline:

Unit 1: Oil and Gas Production Fluid

• Origin and Production of Oil and Gas
• Chemical Compositions of Production Fluids
• Oilfield Equipment
• Overview of Oilfield Processes and Operations

Unit 2: Metallurgy

• Chemical Properties of Metals
• Mechanical Properties
• Alloying Elements
• Cooling of Metals
• Crystalline Forms of Metals
• Metal Defects
• UNS Numbers
• Properties of Common Oilfield Metals and Alloys
• Metallurgy of Oilfield Equipment

Unit 3: Corrosion Damage

• Corrosion Fundamentals
• Common Forms of Corrosion
• Corrosion Monitoring in Plant and Facilities
• Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
• Corrosion Failure and Root Cause Analysis
• Group Discussion - Applicable Standard Study for Corrosion Monitoring

Unit 4: Oilfield-Specific Corrosion

• Internal Corrosion
• Water Corrosion
• Sour Corrosion
• Sweet Corrosion
• Corrosion from Oxygen
• Top of Line Corrosion (TLC)
• Microbiologically Induced Corrosion (MIC)
• Sand Erosion
• External Corrosion
• Atmospheric (Marine) Corrosion
• Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI)
• Corrosion of Pipe Flanges
• Underground Corrosion
• Stray Current Corrosion
• Seawater Corrosion
• Corrosion of Oilfield Equipment

Unit 5: Corrosion Prevention and Control Measures

• Corrosion Control by Operations
• Corrosion Control by Processes
• Corrosion Control Design
• Corrosion Control by Material Selection

Unit 6: Cathodic Protection (CPS) Systems

• Cathodic Protection Fundamentals
• Galvanic Anodes CPS
• Impressed Current CPS
• Maintenance of the CPS System

Unit 7: Barrier Film (Coatings and Lining)

• Coating Fundamentals
• Industrial Coatings Performance Characteristics
• Coating Systems Types
• Surface Preparations
• Coating Application
• Causes of Coating Failures

Unit 8: Chemical Treatment

• Corrosion Inhibitors
• Evaluation of Corrosion Inhibitor Performance
• Use of Corrosion Inhibitors

Unit 9: Biocide Treatment

• Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC)
• Bacteria of the Sulfate-Reducing Type
• Selection and Treatment with Biocides

Unit 10: Non-Metallic Materials

• Polymers
• Composites

Unit 11: Corrosion Management Strategy (CMS)

• Management of Corrosion of Oilfield Equipment
• Economy of Corrosion
• Corrosion Key Performance Indicators (KPI)
• Management of Asset Integrity and Corrosion
• Standards and Practices
• Management of Corrosion Data