An apparatus has been constructed for studying the corrosion rates of oil well brines under conditions simulating those at the bottom of the well. It has been found that when carbon dioxide or hydrogen sulfide is recombined with a well fluid to underground conditions the fluid is frequently acid in character. Such acidity, coupled with a high fluid temperature, and the absence of an oil with protective properties, is believed a primary cause for high subsurface corrosion rates. A method of testing inhibitors is described. Data are presented showing mercaptans to act as inhibitors of corrosion. Such compounds could be naturally occurring inhibitors of sulfide fluids.

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Copyright1953 by the National Association of Corrosion Engineers.
1953
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