Effect of Magnetic Field on the Corrosion of API-5L-X65 Steel Using Electrochemical Methods in a Flow Loop

Abstract

Limited studies have been conducted on the effect of a magnetic field on the corrosion behavior of steels. Investigating the effect on pipeline material in the oil and gas industries will be beneficial regarding corrosion prediction and control. In this work, the effect of a magnetic field on the corrosion process of API 5L X65 carbon steel was investigated in a well-developed flow loop using potentiodynamic polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Using permanent magnets and a well-designed corrosion electrode set-up, the corrosion mechanism of API 5L X65 steel was studied at different magnetic orientations and different flow conditions in a NaCl solution. The surface morphology of the corroded samples was studied using a scanning electron microscope, and the micro-morphologies of the corrosion deposits and the surface elemental composition were analyzed. The results show that the presence of a magnetic field increases the corrosion rate of API 5L X65 carbon steel, and that flow velocities and magnetic orientation have a significant influence on the anodic corrosion current. The results of the polarization curves indicate a negative shift in the Tafel curve, leading to an increase in the corrosion rate with the introduction of a magnetic field in the flow system. The results of the EIS show that the charge transfer rate is decreased when a magnetic field is applied. This work provides important direction in terms of the understanding of the combined effect of magnetism and flow on the corrosion in pipelines used in the oil and gas industries.