Corrosion inhibitors injected into production fluids can be an extremely effective method
of mitigating corrosion in pipelines. In many cases, the use of expensive alloys can be
avoided if the appropriate corrosion inhibitor is utilized, saving significant capital
expenditure. In some cases however, corrosion control in the infrastructure may
deteriorate over time. This is often the case when significant quantities of oily solids
accumulate in the pipeline. This material, which is affectionately termed ‘schmoo’, has the
potential to adsorb a significant quantity of inhibitor and forms a safe haven for bacteria.
This makes it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for even the best corrosion inhibitor to
be effective.