Voltammetry at rotating disc electrodes and scanning electron microscopy are used to compare the corrosion of a 13 % chromium steel (API 5CT L80-13Cr) and carbon steel (X65) in simulated oilfield brines based on 3 % NaCl saturated with CO2 and with various additions of acetate, acetic acid and bicarbonate. It is confirmed that the 13 % Cr steel is significantly less prone to corrosion and the rate is determined by the properties of the passivating film formed on its surface. In sharp contrast, the carbon steel remains active for corrosion and its rate is determined by the concentration of reactants for the cathodic reactions contributing to corrosion.

Subject
Films, Steel surfaces, Sodium acetate, Sodium chloride, Voltammetry, Acetates, Open circuits, Steel, Brines, Acetic acid, Carbon steel, Risk reduction, Corrosion potential
Keywords:
Carbon dioxide, acetate, acetic acid, 13 % Cr steel, carbon steel corrosion, voltammetry
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2005
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
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