Analysis of the process of corrosion destruction of settling tanks for preparation of high-viscosity oil to transport through main oil pipelines

Abstract

Most of accidents and failures of vertical steel tanks are related to metal corrosion of their shells and equipment. The choice of optimal corrosion protection to extend the life of such tanks is impossible without an understanding of the mechanisms of its origin and development, as well as the degree of influence of operational factors on these mechanisms.

Of particular interest is the study of corrosion processes taking place in tanks to prepare for the transport of high-viscosity oils operating in the specific conditions of the Far North. The complex effect of factors such as temperature, total salt content of bottom water, the concentration of corrosion inhibitors, demulsifiers, and mechanical impurities on the rate of corrosion processes is not fully understood to date.

This article analyzes the process of corrosion destruction of settling tanks for the preparation of high-viscosity oil to transport through main oil pipelines using the example of the RVS-5000 of the park of input tanks of the Yareganeft oil and gas department. Analysis of operating conditions made it possible to identify factors affecting corrosion processes and to identify potentially the most dangerous zones of contact between media entering the reservoir and the shell metal, the bottom and roof of the tank. The study have showed that the greatest interest is the study of the effect of the presence of mechanical impurities in the fluid supplied to the settling tank on the intensity of corrosion processes on the internal surfaces of the tank in potentially dangerous areas.