Specialty Lab Testing Services

In addition to our corrosion testing and failure analysis services we offer several specialty lab testing services. These services include corrosion ring analysis, ASTM G205 crude corrosivity testing, paraffin testing and other inhibitor characterisation tests. In addition to these lab testing services Cormetrics provides examination and recommendations for production chemical programs.

Our Capabilities Include:

The corrosion rate in many production and drilling systems is monitored by means of electrically isolated carbon steel coupons and rings. Cormetrics offers a coupon inspection service for field coupons. Coupons and rings received from a facility are descaled, cleaned, weighed and inspected. A corrosion rate is calculated from the weight loss of each coupon.

A comprehensive report is submitted to the client, with the following features:

  • Summary chart of coupon location, time in service, weight loss and corrosion rate
  • Digital pictures of each coupon
  • Photomicrographs of any significant features, such as blistering, pitting, crevice corrosion, etc.
  • Graphical representation of historical data showing the trend of corrosion rate with time at each coupon location.

SAMPLE REPORTS

ASTM G205-10 “Standard Guide for Determining Corrosivity of Crude Oils” has been developed to assess the bulk crude properties within a transmission pipeline for their propensity towards internal corrosion. The guide considers three main properties in its assessment of potential crude corrosivity:

  1. The Emulsion Inversion Point (EIP): The EIP test evaluates the water cut required to change the oil/water mixture from a water-in-oil emulsion to an oil-in-water emulsion. This transition causes water to be present as the external phase of the emulsion, which is associated with higher rates of general corrosion.
  2. Oil versus Water Wettability: For corrosion to proceed, the pipeline wall must first be wetted by water. The wettability test evaluates the crudes susceptibility to removal from the test electrode array allowing the electrode to become water-wet.
  3. Effect of Crude Oil on the Corrosivity of Brine: This test evaluates the corrosivity of a reference brine that has been mixed with the crude oil. The effect of the crude on the brine corrosion rate provides an indication of the system corrosivity where brine has wet the pipewall.

Cormetrics has specialized experience and equipment for completion of this test methodology. Extensive experience with practical use of G205 has enabled Cormetrics to make improvements to the test procedures to improve repeatability and relevance of the test results. Our database of crude testing results allows us to rank the potential corrosivity of your crude compared to similar density crude streams.

Cormetrics performs a test designed to compare performance of wax dispersants and solvents with field samples. A ranking of performance characteristics and discussion on the test procedure is reported.

Cormetrics performs evaluations on hydrogen sulphide scavenger chemicals to determine their comparative performance for removal of hydrogen sulphide from a produced gas stream. Treatment scenarios for both continuous injection and contactor vessels can be performed in our lab. Stability of the H2S saturated scavenger products can also be confirmed for solids generation and impact on produced water scaling tendencies.

Cormetrics performs testing that comply with section 37 of Part III of the Manual of Tests and Criteria(SOR/2017-137). This testing is designed to determine if a chemical is classified as corrosive for the purpose of transportation in accordance with Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) regulations.

Cormetrics has vast experience with application of production chemicals in oil and gas gathering systems. Cormetrics can assist operator companies with selecting, implementing and managing cost effective, appropriate chemical programs for use in resolving production problems caused by corrosion, scale, bacteria, emulsion, or wax and asphaltenes. We have developed chemical standards specific to field conditions providing guidance to the operator on product selection, treatment levels and monitoring requirements.

This expertise extends to Field Investigations. Cormetrics has a wealth of technical and practical experience in finding solutions to field corrosion problems.

Depending on the work activity, field investigations maybe required to:

  • Complete system surveys to gain a better understanding of the field/plant layout, operating methods and review of field records.
  • Assist with in-situ examination of failed equipment and pipelines. Important information can be obtained by being onsite when equipment is being repaired.
  • Determine what analysis is required while ensuring proper sampling techniques and completion of any required field analysis is done for generation of the highest quality data.