Since the advent of mass-produced steel in the 19th century, high-strength steel pipes have made it possible to extract oil and natural gas in wells deep underground and underwater.
Steel drilling pipes have undergone significant changes over the last century to meet the industry’s need to drill deeper, in more challenging environments, and with more efficiency and safety.
But despite these advancements, one challenge persists.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the topic of corrosion in drilling pipes and explore the robust measures that oil and gas companies can take to fortify their assets against corrosion’s damaging effects.
Corrosion is the greatest threat to OCTG
Drill pipe, tubing, and casing are all part of the family of seamless rolled products known as oil country tubular goods (OCTG). They are one of the biggest expenses for both onshore and offshore oil and natural gas rigs and need to be properly protected during transport and storage.
Internal or closed applications of OCTG are among the most specialised. Compared to transportation pipelines, internal OCTG components operate in the harshest conditions. They are exposed to high pressures, mechanical stresses, and temperature extremes in the wellbore. With the constant, direct exposure to corrosive substances, the use of corrosion-resistant alloys, linings and advanced coatings is especially critical.
You can read more about the corrosion of OCTG in our blog here.
How can we combat corrosion?
Thankfully, there are several methods to prevent corrosion on OCTG pipes.
The economical approach and the preferred option for large-scale oil and gas operations is treating the metal surfaces of OCTG with anti-corrosion coatings. These coatings create a thin film that acts as an insulating and physical barrier against corrosion, without adding significantly to the size or weight of the tubes.
AT AGMA, we produce one of the oil and gas industry’s most trusted and time-tested specialised anti-corrosion coatings for both the interior and exterior of OCTG tubes.
These coatings are primarily for casing, tubing and drill pipes while in storage or transit.
The protection provided can exceed two years even in the harshest of climates with correct surface preparation and application, although for the ID surfaces the use of closed-end protectors is required to achieve this optimum performance. The OCTG can be run with the coatings in place as they are compatible with oil/water base drilling fluids, compatible and non-contaminant with produced hydrocarbons.
AGMA’s corrosion prevention treatments
Preventing corrosion on the internal surfaces of OCTG
SYNERGEN 718 is a water-resistant anti-corrosion coating for internal surfaces of OCTG. This ID coating provides a lightweight, use-and-forget, protective treatment against corrosion.
Developed to preserve the OCTG ID in the harsh environment of the North Sea, SYNERGEN has been the industry’s most trusted solution for over 45 years. Since its introduction and proving off Norway in 1976, it has become the oil world’s most specified tubular management coating.
Preventing corrosion on the external surfaces of OCTG
The weatherproof anti-corrosion coating SYNERGEN 501 is designed for external surfaces of OCTG and can withstand even the most extreme marine conditions.
SYNERGEN 501 has stood all the tests of time since its introduction in the pipe yards of Aberdeen in 1976. Initially specified by Shell UK Exploration and Production, and custom-made in small lots against order, AGMA produces hundreds of tonnes of SYNERGEN 501 each year in our dedicated plant using the finest feedstock sourced from around the world.
As well as these longstanding, globally-trusted, solvent-based coatings, AGMA has developed the VINCIT range of innovative water-based coatings for OCTGs designed to be very low in VOCs and have a lower environmental impact.
Preventing corrosion in cooling systems
AGMA also creates anti-corrosion treatments designed for marine cooling systems.
SYNERGEN 66 is an anti-corrosion treatment for closed cooling systems. The unique formulation contains a balanced mix of corrosion inhibitors and scale retardants scale and sludge formation across mixed metal antifreeze systems.
Find out more about AGMA’s industrial solutions
The benefits of corrosion prevention cannot be overstated. By choosing cost-effective and reliable products like SYNERGEN 501, 66, and 718, oil and gas companies assure the structural integrity and longevity of your assets. Embracing these advanced protective measures is a smart, strategic decision for any operation looking to preserve its investments and maintain high standards of safety and efficiency.
