A discussion of existing corrosion criteria is made. The need is pointed out for short term control to supplement present long term studies, especially where existing short term methods are questionable or not applicable.
Iron was found in the oil phase of produced fluids and was found present in particle form. Average values of from 25 - 150 ppm were determined with extremes varying from trace amounts to 2500 ppm.
Development of a technique to determine the amount of iron in the oil to simplify determinations was made. Trial methods which led to final Walker-Robertson technique are outlined and the technique is described in detailed form.
Evaluation studies were made on 94 sour wells which were using various corrosion inhibitors. Utilizing the iron in oil technique, correlation studies showed that a break point value of 55 ppm existed between economically corrosive and non-corrosive wells. Further studies in the Kansas area substantiated the findings with regard to the 55 ppm break-point. The dividing line between wells which are corrosive and those under good corrosion control may vary depending on the area. It is suggested that further work be done with this criteria of corrosion control to determine if applicable to various types of wells in various areas.
