IMPACT OF PRODUCED WATER ON THE CORROSION OF STEEL BY CHLORINE DIOXIDE

The perceived impact of chlorine dioxide (ClO2) on the corrosion of steel used in the oil patch has been a controversial issue for many years.   Although a few studies on this issue have been published, those results have been contradictory. As concerns surrounding this issue continue to be raised, a systematic study has been undertaken to understand the corrosive effects of ClO2 towards steel in various produced waters.  Research shows that the baseline corrosion rate of untreated produced water is related to TDS, with other factors being involved, such as the presence of H2S and iron. This paper summarizes the results of other studies that have been done, and demonstrates the contradictory nature of such studies. The results of this on-going study show the relationship between the TDS of produced water and corrosion resulting from use of varying concentrations of ClO2.  The paper explains the contradictory nature of corrosion caused by ClO2.