Literature Survey on Corrosion In Neutral Unaerated Oil Well Brines^★

The causes of oil well subsurface corrosion have never been properly determined. It is known that water must be present, and that most corrosive waters contain hydrogen sulfide, although not all sulfide waters are corrosive. Severe corrosion apparently takes place in some cases in neutral brines in the absence of oxygen. This statement seems paradoxical. To investigate it further, a literature survey was undertaken. The object was to delineate the problems involved and to throw as much light upon them as possible. The literature is discussed particularly with reference to corrosion by hydrogen evolution and by depolarization with oxygen or other agents. Other factors which might enter into the corrosion picture are included in the discussion.