THIN CHANNEL CORROSION FLOW CELL (TCFC)
TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW
The technology facilitates a convenient and accurate system for in situ
observation of a corrosion process in a single phase flow. The method is
based on the flow dynamics between two parallel flat plates, and provides a
mechanism to study corrosion in flowing systems. It eliminates the effect of
centrifugal force encountered in the rotating cylinder electrode system,
which is currently the most used method for small scale analysis of flowing
systems. TCFC is ideal for the study of initiationand propagation of
localized corrosion, providing an easy method to control and observe the
mechanical and chemical effects on corrosion product films. It can be
coupled with multiple measurement techniques such a s electrical resistance,
linear polarization resistance, weight loss and quartz crystal microbalance
to provide in situ information of a corrosion process.
POTENTIAL FIELDS OF USE
TCFC provides a solution to observe and monitor internal corrosion in oil and gas production, and
transportation facilities. Corrosion is a major factor for degradation in the life-span of metallic an
d non-metallic fluid carrying pipes. Latest market studie
s by C Technologies show the increasing cost of corrosion in the Energy and Petroleum (E&P) sector.On an annual basis, direct corrosion costs incurred
by the US exceed $1.4 billion in oil and gas exploration and production,
3.7 billion in petroleum refining,
$7.0 billion in gas and liquid transmission pipelines, and $5.0 billion in gas distribution.
In addition tothis, more than $100 million is spent by oil corporations and environmental
agencies to combat the effects of oil spills due to corroded pipes.
BENEFIT ANALYSIS
TCFC provides a superior mechanism for studying corrosion effects in flowing systems:
•Reduces the cost of operation as compared to large scale
equipment used to observe corrosion.
•Facilitates the comparison of the system with pipe flow as flow
conditions of thin channels are well known.
•Facilitates a given analysis through several parame ters such as
controlling the temperature, volumetric flow rate,and pressure
inside the channel flow cell.
•Enhances the accurate measurement of corrosion process in a
channel using a wide range of measurement devices and techniques.
STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT
The technology is at advanced stage of development,
having successfully formulated a quantitative too to
measure various parameters required to compute corrosion in a flowing system.
The hydraulic diameter of a duct is used to assess the flow through it. 3D an
alysis tools have been used to verify test results.
FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
The method can be customized to analyze a particular kind of flow
without compromising on the quality and efficiency of the analysis.
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