Use of pH-stabilized glycol has been successfully used for internal corrosion protection of wet gas lines containing CO2 since 1972. The internal corrosion protection method can therefore be regarded as proven technology. A prerequisite for using the method is that the pipeline does not carry formation water. The Ormen Lange field is, however, unusual since the fluid contains acetic acid in addition to CO2. A test program has been performed to demonstrate that MEG pH stabilized to 7.3 can be used for internal corrosion protection of the Ormen Lange pipelines when carrying condensed water with acetate. The test program has been carried out at CO2 partial pressure 0.3-0.82 bar, temperature 0-85°C, MEG concentration 60-86% and wall shear stress which is relevant for Ormen Lange. One high and one low acetate concentration have been included. The results from the corrosion tests demonstrated that pH stabilized monoethylene glycol (MEG) is effective for corrosion control of C-steel in condensed water containing CO2 and acetic acid. The corrosion rate decreased slightly with decreasing temperature, CO2 partial pressure and flow velocity. C-steel with and without 0.5% Cr performed similar. Initially passivation of the steel was seen, but it broke down after some time and active corrosion took place. The active corrosion rate is low due to formation of protective corrosion films.
Keywords: carbon dioxide, acetic acid, mono ethylene glycol, pH stabilization, carbon steel.