The Phase II development of the Karachaganak Gas/Condensate field commenced production in
2004. The Karachaganak production fluids are characterised by historically low water cuts, relatively
high levels of CO2 and H2S with a ratio close to 1 and a condensate API gravity of between 45 and
50. In general, corrosion rates for the main production and processing facilities have been very low
and these low rates of corrosion are attributed to the formation of a thin and tightly adherent film of
iron sulfide. From a review of the potential corrosion mechanisms that could occur in such systems
where the CO2/H2S ratio is close to parity, it has been possible to implement a targeted inspection
programme at areas where sulfide film breakdown could occur. The results obtained from a
structured approach to integrity management will be discussed and areas where corrosion has been
successfully detected will be described.
Keywords: CO2 corrosion, hydrogen sulfide, risk based inspection, well tubing, inhibition