Abstract
Three examples of application of corrosion monitoring methods to petroleum refining facilities and oil field systems reported in Literatures are outlined. In the first case, electrical resistance probes were used in the overhead system of a crude distillation unit in the field to investigate corrosion of metals in the system. The electrical resistance probes proved useful to monitor corrosion rates of metals in actual refinery operation and contributable to the findings of factors affecting corrosion behaviours of metals and to corrosion control programs.
Polarization resistance probes were employed in laboratory studies of the corrosion in sour water stripper in the second case. Linear polarization was measured under various experimental conditions such as different concentrations of KCN and different ratios of NH3 to H2S which affect the corrosion of metals in simulated sour water stripper solutions. In the third case, polarization resistance probes, especially of a flush mounted type, were used for gas well flow lines. The flush mounted probes can monitor fluctuation in corrosion rates of pipe walls under a great care of the sensitivity of the probes.
