Results are presented from an experimental investigation concerning corrosion of steels in high density brine packer fluids at high temperature. Variables examined include, temperature, acid gas (i.e. H2S and CO2) contamination and chemical inhibition. These results were compared with similar tests conducted on a conventional oil mud, The data indicate that the oil mud tended to have low corrosivity, but thickened and produced physical properties that would be not desirable for long term service at high temperature. High density brine fluids were found to have varying corrosivity. Corrosivity increased with temperature
and acid gas contamination, Inhibitor efficiencies at temperatures above 400 F (204 C) were relatively low (<65 percent) in most cases and highly variable depending on the specific formulation, In some cases, some commercial inhibitor formulations were found to actually accelerate corrosion, Recommendations for fiture work include examination of specific effects of steel type, development of inhibitors with higher
efficiency and fluids with lower inherent corrosivity at high temperature.
Keywords: packer fluids, corrosion, steel, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, inhibitors.