Selection of Best in Class Corrosion Inhibitors for the ADMA-OPCO Zakum Oil System Through Extensive Laboratory Evaluation

Abstract

ADMA-OPCO requested that an independent third party laboratory evaluation be conducted on a number of corrosion inhibitors to select the best in class for the protection of the Zakum Oil system, Umm Shaif Oil system, and Gas & Condensate system. The performance tests on the inhibitors were carried out in a 4 Phase approach, ranging from acceptance testing covering a range of physical and thermal stability scenarios through to high pressure and high temperature autoclave tests to determine inhibition performance under both CO2 and H2S environments. This approach was critical due to the ageing of facilities which required further assurance in terms of corrosion inhibition. Throughout the laboratory Phases key performance milestones were established and ranked to allow successful candidate chemicals to move to the next Phase of the testing. From an original seven potential candidate chemicals only four proceeded to the completion of the project. This paper aims to describe the methods employed and criteria established for screening corrosion inhibitors to ensure only the best in class are utilised for future field applications. The discussion will focus not only on the specific methods and results, but also the reasoning behind the methods employed and how these aided in ensuring the most technically effective corrosion inhibitors were identified for the application requirements.