Corrosion Mitigation Oilfield Water Lines 2009

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Mitigation of Internal Corrosion

in Oilfield Water Pipeline
Systems
June 2009
2009-0010
2100, 350 7 Avenue S.W.

Calgary, Alberta
Canada T2P 3N9
Tel (403) 267-1100
Fax (403) 261-4622
403, 235 Water Street

St. Johns, Newfoundland and Labrador
Canada A1C 1B6
Tel (709) 724-4200
Fax (709) 724-4225
www.capp.ca communication@capp.ca
The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) represents 130

companies that explore for, develop and produce more than 90 per cent of
Canadas natural gas and crude oil. CAPP also has 150 associate member
companies that provide a wide range of services that support the upstream oil and
natural gas industry. Together, these members and associate members are an
important part of a $120-billion-a-year national industry that affects the
livelihoods of more than half a million Canadians.
Review by July 2013
Disclaimer
This publication was prepared for the Canadian Association of Petroleum
Producers (CAPP). While it is believed that the information contained herein is
reliable under the conditions and subject to the limitations set out, CAPP does
not guarantee its accuracy. The use of this report or any information contained
will be at the users sole risk, regardless of any fault or negligence of CAPP or
its co-funders.
2100, 350 7 Avenue S.W.

Calgary, Alberta
Canada T2P 3N9
Tel (403) 267-1100
Fax (403) 261-4622
403, 235 Water Street

St. Johns, Newfoundland and Labrador
Canada A1C 1B6
Tel (709) 724-4200
Fax (709) 724-4225
www.capp.ca communication@capp.ca
Contents
1
Overview.......................................................................................................................1
Failure Statistics ...........................................................................................................2
Corrosion Mechanisms and Mitigation.......................................................................3

3.1
3.2
Pitting Corrosion..............................................................................................3
Other Failure Mechanisms ..............................................................................3
Recommended Practices ..............................................................................................9
Corrosion Mitigation Techniques..............................................................................16
Corrosion Monitoring Techniques ............................................................................18
Corrosion Inspection Techniques..............................................................................20
Leak Detection Techniques .......................................................................................22
Repair and Rehabilitation Techniques......................................................................23
Figures
Figure 2-1: Natural Gas Pipeline Operating FailuresTotal Failures and Failure Frequency by
Reporting Year .................................................................................................................2
Figure 3-1: Internal Corrosion in a Water Injection Pipeline Prior to Grit Blast Cleaning .............4
Figure 3-2: Internal Corrosion in a Water Injection Pipeline After Grit Blast Cleaning.5
Tables
Table 3.1: Contributing Factors and Prevention of Internal Water injection Corrosion...............7-8
Table 3.2: Contributing Factors and Prevention of Corrosion in Oilfield Water Pipelines.............9
Table 4.1: Recommended Practices - Design and Construction................................................ 10-11
Table 4.2: Recommended Practices - Operating Practices ........................................................ 12-15
Table 5.1: Corrosion Mitigation Techniques .............................................................................. 16-17
Table 6.1: Corrosion Monitoring Techniques............................................................................. 18-19
Table 7.1: Corrosion Inspection Techniques .............................................................................. 20-21
Table 8.1: Leak Detection Techniques........................................................................................ 22-23
Table 9.1: Repair and Rehabilitation Techniques....................................................................... 24-26
Overview
Corrosion is a dominant contributing factor to failures and leaks in pipelines. To
deal with this issue, the CAPP Pipeline Technical Committee has developed
industry recommended practices to improve and maintain the mechanical integrity
of upstream pipelines. They are intended to assist upstream oil and gas producers
in recognizing the conditions that contribute to pipeline corrosion incidents, and
identify effective measures that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of corrosion
incidents.
This documents addresses design, maintenance, and operating considerations for
the mitigation of internal corrosion in oilfield water handling systems. Within this
document, oilfield water pipelines are defined as those constructed with carbon
steel materials and transporting fresh or produced water. Typically, these would
be pipelines used to convey fresh source water, produced water for water flood
purposes, or water sent for disposal down disposal wells. This document does not
address the deterioration of aluminum and non-metallic pipelines.
This document is complementary to CSA Z662 and supports the development of
corrosion control practices within Pipeline Integrity Management Programs, as
required by CSA Z662 and the applicable regulatory agency. In the case of any
inconsistencies between the guidance provided in this document and either Z662
or regulatory requirements, the latter should be adhered to.
This document is intended for use by corrosion specialists involved with the
development and execution of corrosion mitigation programs, engineering teams
involved in the design of gathering systems, and operations personnel involved
with the implementation of corrosion mitigation programs and operation of wells
and pipelines in a safe and efficient manner. It contains a consolidation of key
industry experience and knowledge used to reduce oil effluent pipeline corrosion;
however it is not intended to be a comprehensive overview of all practices.
Additional recommended practices developed by the CAPP Pipeline Technical
Committee are:
Best Management Practice for Mitigation of Internal Corrosion in Sour Gas

Gathering Systems
Best Management Practice for Mitigation of Internal Corrosion in Sweet Gas
Gathering Systems
Best Management Practice for Mitigation of Internal Corrosion in Oil Effluent
Gathering Systems
Best Management Practice for Mitigation of External Corrosion on Buried
Pipeline Systems
These documents are available free of charge on the CAPP website at

www.capp.ca.
Page 1
June 2009
Recommended Practice for Mitigation of Internal
Corrosion in Oilfield Water Pipeline Systems
Failure Statistics
In 2008, oilfield water pipeline systems accounted for 22% of the total
pipeline incidents in Alberta.
In 2008, internal corrosion was the cause of approximately 35% of the 170
oilfield water pipeline incidents in Alberta. This is the largest of any
individual cause for oilfield water pipeline incidents.
80
70
500
460
425
419
438
378 379
400
365
350
315
49.3
42.0 40.8
40
45.1
284
30
300
259 254 264
40.1 39.1
214 205
31.2
20
212
201
178
26.0
22.4
185 185
180
161
159
153
170
250
200
150
19.8 18.318.2
14.1 12.9
10
0
450
Total WA Incidents
60
50
# WA Incidents / 1000km
10.8 9.4 10.0 10.8

8.3 9.0 8.9 7.1 7.7 9.6
19851986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
100
50
0
# WA Incidents / 1000km 49.3 42.0 40.8 45.1 40.1 39.1 31.2 26.0 22.4 19.8 18.3 18.2 14.1 12.9 10.8 9.4 10.0 10.8 8.3 9.0 8.9 7.1 7.7 9.6
Total WA Incidents
419 378 379 460 425 438 365 315 284 259 254 264 214 205 178 161 180 201 159 185 185 153 170 212
WA Length (1000's km)
8.5 9.0 9.3 10.2 10.6 11.2 11.7 12.1 12.7 13.1 13.9 14.5 15.2 15.9 16.5 17.1 18 18.6 19.1 20.5 20.9 21.7 22.1 22.1
Figure 2-1 Total Oilfield Water Pipeline Incidents and Oilfield Water Pipeline
Incidents/1000km by Year in Alberta (source: ERCB)
Figure 17b - Water Pipeline Incidents by Cause
Corrosion (Internal) (CI)
Corrosion (External) (CX)
All Other Causes
Construction Damage (CD)
Unknown (UN)
Mechanical Joint Failure (JF)
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
Figure 2-2 Oilfield Water Pipeline Incidents by Cause in Alberta (source: ERCB)
Page 2
June 2009
Corrosion Mechanisms and Mitigation

3.1
Pitting Corrosion
Pitting corrosion along the bottom of the pipeline is the primary corrosion
mechanism leading to failures in uncoated carbon steel water pipelines. The
common features of this mechanism are:
3.2
the water contains any of the following; O2, CO2, H2S, bacteria, chlorides,
scale, or suspended solids
the presence of fluid traps where solids can accumulate
Other Failure Mechanisms

There are a number of other failure causes that occur commonly with water
pipelines. These include the following:
improper design or construction of internally coated pipeline systems (e.g.
poor coating application, uncoated risers, uncoated flange faces, use of
metallic gaskets, etc.)
damage resulting from improper installation of non-metallic piping systems
(e.g. rough handling)
the presence of deteriorated, damaged, or ineffective coatings, linings, or
joining systems
Figure 3-1: Internal Corrosion in a Water Injection Pipeline Prior to Grit Blast Cleaning
Page 3
June 2009
Figure 3-2: Internal Corrosion in a Water Injection Pipeline After Grit Blast Cleaning (same
pipeline as above)
Figure 3-3: Internal Corrosion Under a Cracked Epoxy Coatings
Page 4
June 2009
Figure 3-4: Internal Corrosion on Flange Face. Note Corrosion Caused by Use of Metallic
Rather than Non-Metallic Gasket.
Page 5
June 2009
Tables 3.1 and 3.2 describe the most common contributors, causes, and effects of internal
corrosion in oilfield water pipelines. The tables also contain corresponding mitigation measures
commonly used to reduce oilfield water pipeline corrosion. It is applicable to both internally bare
carbon steel pipeline systems and to coated or lined pipelines where deterioration or damage has
allowed water contact with the steel substrate.
3.1 Contributing Factors and Prevention of Corrosion in Oilfield Water Pipelines Mechanisms
Contributor
Cause/Source
Effect
Mitigation
Oxygen
Ingress from vented

water storage tanks
or ineffective gas
blanketing systems
Oxygen can
accelerate pitting
corrosion at
concentrations as low
as 50 parts per billion
Use gas blanketing,

vacuum deaeration,
and oxygen
scavengers
Present in surface
source waters
Typical organic
inhibitor effectiveness
can be reduced by
the presence of
oxygen
CO2 dissolves in
water to form
carbonic acid
Effective pigging
and inhibition
Corrosion rates
increase with
increasing levels of
dissolved CO2
H2S dissolves in
water to form weak
acidic solution.
Effective pigging
and inhibition
programs
Corrosion rates
increase with
increasing H2S levels
Hydrogen sulphide
can form protective
iron sulphide (FeS)
scales
Small amounts of
H2S (less than 500
ppm) can be
beneficial as a
protective FeS film
can be established
Localized breakdown
of FeS scales results
in accelerated pitting
Carbon
Dioxide (CO2)
Hydrogen
Sulphide
(H2S)
Often present in
waters
CO2 concentration
can be increased
through miscible
floods (CO2 floods)
Sometimes present in
waters
H2S concentration
can be increased
through formation
souring
Can be generated by
sulfate reducing
bacteria
Page 6
June 2009
Contributor
Cause/Source
Effect
Mitigation
Bacteria
Acid producing and

sulfate reducing
bacteria can lead to
localized pitting
attack
Effective pigging
program
Treat with inhibitors

and biocides
Solid deposits
provide an
environment for
growth of bacteria
Eliminate the
introduction of
bacteria (i.e. treat
the source of the
problem)
The deposited scale

may increase the
pitting rate by
creating localized
corrosion beneath
the deposit (i.e.
under deposit
corrosion)
Install pigging
facilities and
maintain an
effective pigging
program
Acid removal of
scale
Scale inhibitor
chemical
treatments
Install pigging
facilities and
maintain an
effective pigging
program
Control corrosion
through effective
inhibition
Scale
Deposition
Solid
Accumulations
Produced from the

reservoir or present
in surface source
waters
Contaminated
production equipment
Contaminated drilling
and completion fluids
Porous nonprotective scales can

adhere to pipe
surface
Scale can form due

to pressure and/or
temperature
changes, or from comingling waters
Mainly produced from

the formation, can
include sand or scale
May originate from

drilling fluids,
workover fluids, and
scaling waters
May include
corrosion products
from upstream
equipment
Low fluid velocity or

poor pigging
practices allow solids
to accumulate in the
pipeline
Accumulated solids
and debris may
increase the pitting
rate by creating
localized corrosion
beneath the deposit
(i.e. under deposit
corrosion)
Solids can reduce the
corrosion inhibitor
concentration
available to protect
the pipe
Page 7
June 2009
3.2 Contributing Factors and Prevention of Corrosion in Oilfield Water Pipelines

Operating Practices
Contributor
Cause/Source
Effect
Mitigation
Detrimental
Operating
Practices
Ineffective pigging
Design pipeline to
be piggable
Ineffective inhibition
Inadequate pipeline
suspension
Design pipelines to
allow for effective
shut-in and
isolation
Commingling of
incompatible waters
(i.e. mixing waters
can create scale
problems)
Develop and
implement proper
suspension
procedures,
including pigging
and inhibition
Test for fluid

compatibilities
Limit operating
temperature
Implement an
effective MOC
process
Maintain integrity of
pipeline operation
and maintenance
history and records
Re-assess
corrosivity on a
periodic basis
Exceeding
Maximum
Operating
Temperature
Management
of Change
(MOC)
Change in operating
temperature
Change in production
characteristics or
operating practices
Well re-completions
and work overs
Lack of system
operating history and
practices
Accelerated
corrosion
Coating deterioration
and corrosion
damage
High temperatures
can damage both
internal and external
coatings
Unmanaged change
may result in gaps in
the effectiveness of
an Integrity
Management
Program
Changing personnel
and system
ownership
Page 8
June 2009
Recommended Practices
Tables 4.1 describes the recommended practices for mitigation of internal corrosion in oil
field water pipelines during design and construction.
Tables 4.2 describes the recommended practices for mitigation of internal corrosion in oil
field water pipelines during operation.
Note:
The primary method for controlling corrosion in Oilfield Water Pipeline systems
is the use of properly installed coated, lined, or non-metallic pipelines.
4.1: Recommended Practices - Design and Construction

Element
Recommended
Practice
Benefit
Comments
Materials of
Construction
Non-metallic
materials are
corrosion resistant
Properly coated or
lined steel pipelines
are corrosion
resistant
Consider use
corrosion resistant
materials nonmetallic materials as
per CSA Z662
Clause 13
Reinforced
composite,
thermoplastic-lined
and polyethylene
pipelines
Non-metallic
materials may be
used as a liner or a
free standing
pipeline depending
on the service
conditions
Consider use of
internally coated
carbon steel pipeline
systems (i.e. nylon
or epoxy coated)
with an engineered
joining system
Page 9
June 2009
Element
Recommended
Practice
Benefit
Comments
Pipeline
Isolation
Removes potential
deadlegs from the
gathering system
Be aware of
creating deadlegs
between isolation
valve and mainline
at tie-in locations
(i.e. install 12
oclock tee tie-ins,
or above ground
riser tie-ins)
Develop shut-in
guidelines for the
timing of required
steps to isolate and
lay up pipelines in
each system
Multi-disc/cup pigs
have been found to
be more effective
than ball or foam
type pigs
Use pigs that are

properly over sized,
undamaged, and
not excessively
worn.
Receivers and
launchers can be
permanent or
mobile
Pigging
Capability
Install valves that

allow for effective
isolation of pipeline
segments from the
rest of the system
Allows the effective

suspension and
discontinuation of
pipeline segments
Install binds for

effective isolation of
in-active pipeline
segments
Install or provide
provisions for pig
launching and
receiving capabilities
Pigging is one of the

most effective
methods of internal
corrosion control
Use consistent line

diameter and wall
thickness
Pigging improves the

effectiveness of
corrosion inhibitor
treatments
Use piggable valves,

flanges, and fittings
Page 10
June 2009
Element
Recommended
Practice
Benefit
Comments
Inspection
Capability
Install or provide
capability for
inspection tool
launching and
receiving
Use consistent line

diameter and wall
thickness
Internal inspection
using inline
inspection
(intelligent pigging)
is the most effective
method for
confirming overall
pipeline integrity
Use piggable valves,

flanges, and fittings
Proper design allows

for pipeline
inspection without
costly modifications
or downtime
Consideration
should be given to
the design of
bends, tees, and
risers to allow for
navigation by the
inspection devices
Page 11
June 2009
Table 4.2: Recommended Practices Operating Practices

Element
Recommended
Practice
Benefit
Comments
Corrosion
Assessment
Evaluate operating
conditions
(temperature,
pressure, water
quality) and prepare a
corrosion mitigation
program
Effective corrosion
management comes
from understanding
and documenting
design and operating
parameters
Refer to CSA Z662

Clause 9 Corrosion Control
Define acceptable
operating ranges
consistent with the
mitigation program
Consider the effects

of H2S, CO2,
Oxygen, chlorides,
bacteria, and solids
Communicate
corrosion assessment,
operating parameters,
and the mitigation
program to field
operations and
maintenance
personnel
Re-assess corrosivity
on a periodic basis
and subsequent to a
line failure
Page 12
June 2009
Element
Recommended
Practice
Benefit
Comments
Corrosion
inhibition and
monitoring
Refer to Section 5
for Corrosion
Mitigation
Techniques
Refer to Section 6
for Corrosion
Monitoring
Techniques
Refer to CSA Z662

Number and
location of
monitoring devices
is dependent on the
predicted corrosivity
of the system
Consider provisions
for chemical
injection, monitoring
devices, and
sampling points
Develop and
communicate the
corrosion inhibition
and monitoring
program to field
operations and
maintenance
personnel
Allows for an
effective corrosion
mitigation program
NOTE: Ensure
personnel
understand their
responsibilities and
are accountable for
implementation and
maintenance of
corrosion
management
programs.
Inspection
Program
Develop suspension
and lay up
procedures for
inactive pipelines
Develop an
inspection program
or strategy
Communicate
inspection program
to field operations
and maintenance
personnel.
Creates greater buy

in and awareness of
program
Refer to Section 7
for Corrosion
Inspection
Techniques
Provides assurance
that the corrosion
mitigation program is
effective.
Refer to CSA Z662,

Risk assessments
should be used to
prioritize
inspections
Page 13
June 2009
Element
Recommended
Practice
Benefit
Comments
Failure
Analysis
Recovery of an
undisturbed sample
of the damaged
pipeline
Adjust the corrosion

mitigation program
based on the
results of the failure
analysis
Conduct thorough
failure analysis
Improved
understanding of
corrosion
mechanisms
detected during
inspections or as a
result of a failure
Use the results of

the failure analysis
to reassess the
program
Allows for corrosion

mitigation program
adjustments in
response to
inspection results
Inspect to determine
extent and severity
of damage prior to
carrying out any
repair or
rehabilitation
Prevents multiple
failures on the same
pipeline
Refer to Section 7
for Corrosion
Inspection
Techniques
Prevents
reoccurrence of
problem
Refer to CSA Z662

Clause 10.10 for
repair requirements
Refer to Section 8
for Leak Detection
Techniques
Technique utilized
depends on access
and ground
conditions
Repair and
Rehabilitation
Leak
Detection
Based on inspection
results, use CSA
Clauses 10.9 and
10.10 to determine
extent and type of
repair required
Implement or make
modifications to
corrosion control
program after repairs
Develop a leak
detection strategy
Permits the
detection of leaks
Page 14
June 2009
Element
Recommended
Practice
Benefit
Comments
Management
of Change
Implement an
effective MOC
process
Maintain integrity of
pipeline operation
and maintenance
records
Ensures that change

does not impact the
integrity of the
pipeline system
Unmanaged
change may result
in accelerated
corrosion, using
inappropriate
mitigation strategy
for the conditions
(outside the
operating range)
Page 15
June 2009
Corrosion Mitigation Techniques

Table 5.1 describes common techniques that should be considered for the mitigation of
internal corrosion in oilfield water pipelines.
Table 5.1: Corrosion Mitigation Techniques

Technique
Description
Comments
Oxygen
Control
Use gas blanketing, vacuum

deaeration, and oxygen
scavengers
The presence of small amounts

of oxygen (parts per billion) will
accelerate corrosion
Pigging
Periodic pigging of pipeline

segments to remove solids and
debris
Pigging is one of the most

effective methods of internal
corrosion control
Can be an effective method of

cleaning pipelines and reducing
potential for bacteria
colonization and under-deposit
corrosion
Selection of pig type and sizing

is important to ensure
effectiveness
Requires facilities for launching

and receiving pigs
Provides a barrier between

corrosive elements and the pipe
surface
Application procedure is
important in determining
effectiveness (i.e. volume of
chemical, diluent used, contact
time, and application interval).
Should be applied between two

pigs to effectively clean and lay
down inhibitor on the pipe.
Should be used in conjunction

with pigging to remove liquids
and solids (i.e. the inhibitor must
be applied to clean pipe to be
the most effective)
Batch
Corrosion
Inhibition
Periodic application of a batch

corrosion inhibitor to provide a
protective barrier on the instead of
the pipe.
Page 16
June 2009
Technique
Description
Comments
Continuous
Corrosion
Inhibitor
Chemical
Treatment
Can be costly to treat high

volumes of water
Continuous injection may be

less effective at contacting full
pipe surface, especially in a dirty
system. Batch treatments may
be more effective
Chemical pump reliability is

important in determining
effectiveness
Assists in controlling bacterial

growth
Use in conjunction with pigging

(to clean the line) will enhance
effectiveness
Batch treatments are typically

the most effective
The use of improperly selected

biocides can create a foam that
can be a serious operational
issue
Biocide
Chemical
Treatments
Continuous injection of a corrosion

inhibitor to reduce the corrosivity
of the transported fluids or provide
a barrier film
Periodic application of a biocide to

kill bacteria in the pipeline system.
Page 17
June 2009
Corrosion Monitoring Techniques

Table 6.1 describes the most common techniques for monitoring corrosion and operating
conditions associated with internal corrosion in oilfield water pipelines.
Table 6.1: Corrosion Monitoring Techniques

Technique
Description
Comments
Water Analysis
Ongoing monitoring of general

water chemistry, pH, chlorides,
dissolved metals, bacteria,
suspended solids, chlorine,
oxygen, and chemical residuals
Changes in water chemistry will

influence the corrosion potential
Trends in dissolved metal

concentration (i.e. Fe, Mn) can
indicate changes in corrosion
activity
Chemical residuals can be used

to confirm the level of application
Sampling location and proper

procedures are critical for
accurate results
Production
Monitoring
Ongoing monitoring of production

conditions such as pressure,
temperature and flow rates
Changes in operating conditions

will influence the corrosion
potential. Production information
can be used to assess corrosion
susceptibility based on fluid
velocity and corrosivity
Mitigation
Program
Compliance
Ongoing monitoring of mitigation

program implementation and
execution
Chemical pump reliability and

inhibitor inventory control is
critical where mitigation program
includes continuous chemical
injection
The corrosion mitigation program

must be properly implemented to
be effective
The impact of any noncompliance to the mitigation

program must be evaluated to
assess the effect on corrosion
Page 18
June 2009
Technique
Description
Comments
Corrosion
Coupons
Used to indicate general corrosion

rates, pitting susceptibility, and
mitigation program effectiveness
Coupon type, placement, and

data interpretation are critical to
successful application of this
method
Coupons should be used in

conjunction with other monitoring
and inspection techniques
Bio-spool placement and data

interpretation are critical to
successful application of these
methods
Bio-spools should be used in

conjunction with other monitoring
and inspection techniques
Solids pigged out of pipelines (pig

yields) can be tested for bacteria
levels
Bacteria presence on surfaces is

considered a better way to
quantify type and numbers
present in the system
The device selection, placement,

and data interpretation are critical
to successful application of these
methods
Continuous or intermittent data

collection methods are used
Electrochemical monitoring
should be used in conjunction
with other monitoring and
inspection techniques
Bio-spools
Electrochemical
Monitoring
Used to monitor for bacteria

presence and mitigation program
effectiveness
There are a variety of methods

available such as electrochemical
noise, linear polarization, electrical
resistance, and field signature
method
Page 19
June 2009
Corrosion Inspection Techniques

Table 7.1 describes common techniques that should be considered for the detection of
internal corrosion in water injection pipelines.
Table 7.1: Corrosion Inspection Techniques

Options
Technique
Comments
Inline
Inspection
Magnetic flux leakage is the most

common technique
Effective method to accurately

determine location and severity
of corrosion
Inline inspection can find internal

and external corrosion defects
The tools are available as self

contained (free swimming) or
tethered
The pipeline must be designed

or modified to accommodate
inline inspection
To run a tethered tool inspection

it is often necessary to dig
bellholes and cut the pipeline
An evaluation must be done to

determine potential corrosion
sites prior to conducting NDE
The use of multi-film radiography

is an effective screening tool
prior to using ultrasonic testing
NDE is commonly used to verify

inline inspection results,
corrosion at excavation sites and
above ground piping
Practical limitations of NDE

methods and the factors
affecting accuracy must be
understood
NonDestructive
Examination
(NDE)
Ultrasonic inspection, radiography

or other NDE methods can be used
to locate metal loss in a localized
area
Page 20
June 2009
Options
Video Camera
/Boroscope
Destructive
Examinatio
n
Technique
A visual inspection tool to locate
internal corrosion
Physical cut out of sections from

the pipeline
Comments
Used to locate and determine

the presence of corrosion
damage, but it is difficult to
determine severity
This technique may be limited to

short inspection distances
Can not directly measure the

depth of corrosion pits
Consideration should be given to

locations where specific failure
modes are most likely to occur
Page 21
June 2009
Leak Detection Techniques

Table 8.1 describes common techniques that should be considered for the detection of
pipeline leaks caused by internal corrosion in oilfield water pipelines. Proactive leak
detection can be an effective method of finding small leaks and mitigating the
consequences of a major product release or spill.
Table 8.1: Leak Detection Techniques

Technique
Description
Comments
Production
Monitoring
Volume balancing or pressure

monitoring to look for indications of
leaks
Changes in volumes injected or

pressure can indicate a pipeline
failure
This is a more effective tool for

finding large leaks and ruptures
Accurate flow meters and specialized

software can be very effective for
liquid pipelines
Provides full time unmanned reaction

to possible leaks
Indications include water on surface,

soil subsidence or erosion, or
vegetation discoloration
Can be used in combination with

infrared thermography and flame
ionization surveys
Need sufficient volume of escaping

water to create an identifiable
temperature difference
Normally completed using aerial

techniques
Equipment is portable and very

sensitive, pipeline has to be displaced
to a combustible gas
Equipment may be hand held,

mounted on an ATV, or mounted to a
helicopter
Capable of detecting pinhole leaks

that may be otherwise non-detectable
Leak Detection
Systems
Right-of-Way
(ROW)
Surveillance
Infrared
Thermography
Flame
Ionization
Survey
Odor Detection
Sophisticated leak detection

systems using meters and SCADA
software can identify leaks and
automatically shut down pipelines
Visual inspection by ground access

or aerial surveillance to look for
indications of leaks
Thermal imaging is used to detect

temperature change on Right-ofWay due to escaping water
Electronic instrumentation used to

detect very low concentrations of
gas
Odorant detection using trained

animals and patented odorants
Page 22
June 2009
Repair and Rehabilitation Techniques

Table 9.1 describes common techniques used for repair and rehabilitation of pipelines
damaged by internal water injection pipeline corrosion.
Prior to the repair or rehabilitation of a pipeline the appropriate codes and guidelines
should be consulted, including:
CSA Z662, Clause 10.10, Permanent and Temporary Repair Methods

CSA Z662, Clause 10.11, Temporary Repair Methods
CSA Z662, Clause 13, Reinforced composite, thermoplastic-lined, and polyethylene
pipelines
Table 9.1: Repair and Rehabilitation Techniques

Technique
Description
Comments
Pipe Section
Replacements
When determining the quantity of

pipe to replace, consider the
extent of the corrosion and as well
as the extent and severity of
damage or degradation of any
internal coatings or linings along
with the condition of the remaining
pipeline
Impact on pigging capabilities

must be considered (use same
pipe diameter and similar wall
thickness)
The replaced pipe section should

be coated with corrosion inhibitor
prior to commissioning or coated
with an internal coating compatible
with the existing pipeline
Remove damaged section(s) and

replace
Page 23
June 2009
Technique
Description
Comments
Repair Sleeves
For internal corrosion it may be

possible in some circumstances
for the damaged section to remain
in the pipeline as per the
requirements in CSA Z662 Clause
10.10 along with proper corrosion
control practices to prevent further
deterioration
Different repair sleeves are

available including composite,
weld-on and bolt-on types. The
sleeves must meet the
requirements of CSA Z662 Clause
10.10
A variety of materials are available

with different temperature and
chemical resistance capabilities

must be considered
Polymer liners may eliminate the

need for internal corrosion
mitigation, corrosion monitoring
and inspection
Reduction of inhibition programs

may impact the integrity of
connecting headers and facilities
constructed from carbon steel
Polymer Liners
Reinforcement and pressurecontaining sleeves may be

acceptable for temporary or
permanent repairs of internal
corrosion as per the limitations
stated in CSA Z662
A polymer liner is inserted in the

steel pipeline
The steel pipe must provide the

pressure containment capability
Page 24
June 2009
Technique
Description
Composite or
Plastic Pipeline
Pipeline
Replacement
Comments
Freestanding composite or plastic

pipe can be either plowed-in for
new lines, or pulled through old
pipelines
This pipe must be designed to

provide full pressure containment
A variety of materials are available

with different temperature and
chemical resistance capabilities
Composite or plastic pipelines

may eliminate the need for internal
corrosion mitigation, corrosion
monitoring and inspection
Reduction of inhibition programs

may impact the integrity of
connecting headers and facilities
constructed of carbon steel
Must be pig and inspection tool

compatible
Refer to Section 4
Recommended Practices in this
document for details
Using internally coated steel

pipeline systems with an
engineered joining system should
also be considered
The alteration or replacement of

the pipeline allows for proper
mitigation and operating practices
to be implemented
Freestanding plastic pipelines may

be limited to low-pressure service
must be considered
Ensure that when replacements in

kind occur, the alteration or
replacement of the pipeline allows
for proper mitigation and operating
practices to be implemented
Page 25
June 2009

Corrosion Mitigation Oilfield Water Lines 2009

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BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Mitigation of Internal Corrosion

2100, 350 7 Avenue S.W.

403, 235 Water Street

The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) represents 130

Review by July 2013

2100, 350 7 Avenue S.W.

403, 235 Water Street

Failure Statistics ...........................................................................................................2

Corrosion Mechanisms and Mitigation.......................................................................3

Recommended Practices ..............................................................................................9

Corrosion Mitigation Techniques..............................................................................16

Corrosion Monitoring Techniques ............................................................................18

Corrosion Inspection Techniques..............................................................................20

Leak Detection Techniques .......................................................................................22

Repair and Rehabilitation Techniques......................................................................23

Best Management Practice for Mitigation of Internal Corrosion in Sour Gas

These documents are available free of charge on the CAPP website at

259 254 264

10.8 9.4 10.0 10.8

WA Length (1000's km)

Corrosion (External) (CX)

All Other Causes

Construction Damage (CD)

Mechanical Joint Failure (JF)

Corrosion Mechanisms and Mitigation

Other Failure Mechanisms

Figure 3-3: Internal Corrosion Under a Cracked Epoxy Coatings

Ingress from vented

Use gas blanketing,

Acid producing and

Treat with inhibitors

The deposited scale

Produced from the

Porous nonprotective scales can

Scale can form due

Mainly produced from

May originate from

Low fluid velocity or

3.2 Contributing Factors and Prevention of Corrosion in Oilfield Water Pipelines

Test for fluid

4.1: Recommended Practices - Design and Construction

Use pigs that are

Install valves that

Allows the effective

Install binds for

Pigging is one of the

Use consistent line

Pigging improves the

Use piggable valves,

Use consistent line

Use piggable valves,

Proper design allows

Table 4.2: Recommended Practices Operating Practices

Refer to CSA Z662

Consider the effects

Refer to CSA Z662

Creates greater buy

Refer to CSA Z662,

Adjust the corrosion

Use the results of

Allows for corrosion

Refer to CSA Z662

Ensures that change