Abstract
In order to successfully select an effective corrosion inhibitor, it is important to make a thorough assessment during a chemical qualification process. To efficiently make a selection, screening tests are generally performed prior to more complex field representative tests.
These screening tests can however misrepresent the performance of an inhibitor which would otherwise be deselected. One potential cause of this is the presence of minor, low concentration components in corrosion inhibitor formulations, commonly referred to as “additives”.
To illustrate this effect, a series of case scenarios and generic corrosion inhibitor tests will be presented, including standard low shear ambient tests, and also higher shear tests. These tests will demonstrate the impact additives can have on screening test results.
The examples show that relatively minor changes in formulated inhibitor chemistry can have a significant impact on the chemical performance and alter product rankings, and therefore affect the selection process.
The work will provide conclusions and recommendations on the best design of a screening program that reduces such test artefacts, and allows for easier interpretation of data. Along with comments that will be provided on the potential impacts this would have in the field.
