Water-Based Mud Additives
Corrosion Inhibitors &
Scavengers
Whether it’s minimizing dissolved oxygen through our CAT 752 OS, scavenging dangerous hydrogen sulfide through WILDCAT 601TZ, or a comprehensive treatment package like WILDCAT 360CSI, AES Drilling Fluids has the products, practices, and monitoring for a complete corrosion control program.
Systems
Understanding The Corrosion Process
Corrosion can be defined as the deterioration of a material, usually metal, that results from a reaction with its environment (NACE 2002). Consider the process to manufacture steel, which applies substantial energy to purify, concentrate, and organize its crystalline structure for its required properties. Corrosion can be thought of as a metal’s natural tendency to return to its lowest energy state.
Key Attributes:
Enhanced lubrication
Superior filtration control
Environmental compliance
Shale Inhibitors
Water-Based Mud Additives
Shale inhibition requirements vary by the properties of the formation. Mixed clay layers can respond to water in different ways.
Corrosion Inhibitors & Scavengers
Filtration Control
Shale Inhibitors
Lubricants
Viscosifiers
Loss Prevention & Treatment
Shale Inhibitors
Invert Emulsion Additives
Shale inhibition requirements vary by the properties of the formation. Mixed clay layers can respond to water in different ways.
Emulsifiers, wetting agents & dispersants
filtration control
viscosifiers
loss prevention & treatment
Reviews
Technical Specifications
Corrosion Reactions
Corrosion requires four components:
An Anode
A Cathode
An Electrolyte
A Conductive Path
Limiting the reactions slows the rate of corrosion. For example, controlling dissolved oxygen aids to limit the hydroxyl ions produced at the cathode.
Factors in Corrosion Rates
There are several factors that accelerate corrosion, which are often related. Corrosion control typically requires a combination of fluid treatments. Oil-continuous invert emulsions (OBM/SBM) should not require corrosion control additives as the oil-wet state of the exposed metallurgy eliminates the conductive path for corrosion. Water-based drilling fluids may require multiple measures to limit corrosion to acceptable rates. Treatment recommendations will vary by these conditions and the severity of the problem.
Factors impacting corrosion rate:
Metallurgy
Temperature
pH
Salinity
Scale
Sources and Treatment
Identifying the corrosion mechanism is essential to minimizing the impact of corrosion. AES Drilling Fluids can provide the resources for a corrosion monitoring and treatment program, including corrosion rings and chemical monitoring. Through our sister companies, we provide conventional and specialized corrosion control products.
WILDCAT 360CSI provides a comprehensive treatment in a single product. Our X-OUT targets carbon dioxide while CAT 752 OS scavenges oxygen. WILDCAT 601TZ, CAT 94 HS, and WGS 25WC / WGS 546WC are used to scavenge hydrogen sulfide.
Scale Inhibitors
Scale can form as a reaction between gases and ions present in drilling fluids. For example, carbon dioxide and calcium can result in calcium carbonate scale, which creates concentration cells highly susceptible to corrosion. Scale inhibitors work to inhibit the crystallization that forms scale.
Filming Agents
Protective films coat metal for corrosion protection. Filming materials must remain in place while circulating to perform or they will not provide an even, protective coating. In some cases, these additives are added to provide protection during storage or static periods.
Oxygen
Oxygen corrosion is one of the most common sources of corrosion. Atmospheric oxygen and water in the drilling fluid initiate the process to produce iron hydroxide (rust). Oxygen corrosion usually appears as pitting.
Treatment:
- Prevent and control foaming with defoamer additives, and control rheology to limit entrained air
- Elevate the pH
- Apply an oxygen scavenger to limit dissolved oxygen
- Treat pipe with inhibitors at regular intervals
Carbon Dioxide
Carbon Dioxide is found in downhole formations and produced by bacteria. Carbon Dioxide (sometimes referred to as sweet gas) dissolves in water to form carbonic acid, effectively lowering the pH. Corrosion from Carbon Dioxide typically appears as worm-shaped pits. Scale may be present if sufficient calcium or magnesium is available, which can create concentration cells and more aggressive corrosion.
Elevating the pH above 9.0 is a standard method for addressing Carbon Dioxide. This causes the carbonic acid to lose protons, forming bicarbonate and carbonate.
Hydrogen Sulfide
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), or sour gas, presents serious risk to personnel as a poison gas and also as a corrosion agent. It is frequently encountered in combination with oxygen and carbon dioxide, resulting in higher corrosion rates. It occurs in downhole formations, from bacteria, or from the degradation of drilling fluid additives. Hydrogen sulfide requires a comprehensive action plan to address that includes trained personnel, detection and safety equipment, and appropriate treatment additives.
Corrosion Mitigation is Part of Our Family
At AES Drilling Fluids, we manufacture and sell corrosion control solutions through the CES Energy Solutions family. This allows us to optimize products for our customers’ specific needs, ensuring these chemistries are truly fit-for-purpose. This also leads to increased quality and reliability throughout the manufacturing process.
Product Data Sheet
Corrosion Inhibitor & Scavenger Products
The table below provides information on many of our common treatment additives. AES Drilling Fluids has extensive expertise in corrosion and corrosion monitoring to recommend appropriate products.
| Product | Description | Product Data Sheet | Product Data Sheet Link | Associated Mud System(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-2145 | Scale Inhibitor/Corrosion Inhibitor | Scale Inhibitor/Corrosion Inhibitor | Download PDF | |
| CAT 94 HS | H2S Scavenger | H2S Scavenger | Download PDF | |
| CAT 752 OS | Oxygen Scavenger | Oxygen Scavenger | Download PDF | |
| WGS 25WC / WGS 546WC | H2S Scavenger | H2S Scavenger | Download PDF | |
| WILDCAT 360CSI | Combined oxygen scavenger, scale Inhibitor, and corrosion inhibitor | Combined oxygen scavenger, scale Inhibitor, and corrosion inhibitor | Download PDF | |
| WILDCAT 601TZ | H2S Scavenger | H2S Scavenger | Download PDF | |
| X-OUT | Carbon Dioxide Scavenger | Carbon Dioxide Scavenger | Download PDF |
Innovative Solutions to Complement Your Drilling Program
Innovative Solutions
to Complement Your Drilling Program
Featured Products/Additives
Shale Inhibitors
Shale inhibition requirements vary by the properties of the formation. Mixed clay layers can respond to water in different ways.
Corrosion Inhibitors
Whether it’s minimizing dissolved oxygen through our CAT 752 OS, scavenging dangers hydrogen sulfide through WILDCAT 601TZ, or a comprehensive treatment.
Filtration Control
Water-based muds typically have higher fluid loss compared to invert emulsion. Quality additives such as our ES-CONTROL and ENERPAC are designed to perform at low concentrations.
Lubricants
Torque and drag limit rate of penetration and compromise directional control. From our signature ENERLUBE lubricant to our latest options, BRINEX or ENERLUBE LITE.
