Corrosion in geothermal environment Part 2: Metals and alloys

By Nogara, James; Zarrouk, Sadiq J.
Published in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 2018

Abstract

The work reviews existing corrosion field testing and laboratory experiments in geothermal environment. The search covers all published research on the corrosion behaviour of carbon steel and corrosion resistant alloys (CRA) subjected to corrosive geothermal fluids at high temperature conditions. The objective is to gain better understanding of corrosion damage to commercial carbon steels normally used as a construction material for geothermal wells and surface facility. Corrosion-resistant alloys are likewise evaluated for performance as they are more and more being considered as alternative construction material. The different corrosion evaluation methods are also given with the advantages and their disadvantages discussed. The factors controlling the corrosion rate of geothermal fluids are salinity, pH, temperature, fluid flow velocity, dissolved gases and the formation of a stable protective passive film. The review shows that; while laboratory experiments mostly mirrors the field testing results. Laboratory testing generally fails to duplicate the mineral scale and corrosion products that provide the protective film. Field testing is recommended for material selection in new geothermal fluid environment.

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