Subsea Corrosion and Scale

In most subsea developments, oil and gas products are transported from subsea wells to platforms in multiphase flow without using a separation process. Corrosion, scale formation, and salt accumulation represent increasing challenges for the operation of subsea multi phase pipelines. Corrosion can be defined as a deterioration of a metal, due to chemical or electrochemical interactions between the metal and its environment. The tendency of a metal to corrode depends on a given environment and the metal type.

The course provides an overview of subsea corrosion and scale management for subsea production systems. Following this introduction, the engineering tools and strategies associated with real world subsea corrosion and scale management will be developed. The materials of this course emphasize the understanding of basic sciences, engineering and corrosion principles, as well as their application in the assessment, prevention and remediation of corrosion and scale problems.

The course outcomes include understanding of the issues relating to materials selection and corrosion control in subsea systems and to introduce the use of materials selection software. Further explanation of the metallurgy of mild steels, stainless steels and corrosion resistant alloys and how the micro structure relates to properties is discussed. Non-metallic materials and their use in subsea systems is also introduced. Finally, how the main manufacturing processes affect the material properties, particularly welding offshore is established.

The course focuses on a practical approach to subsea corrosion and scale management issues, it enhances the student’s engineering solving skills when faced with specific subsea corrosion and scale problems.