This paper first reviews laboratory and field investigations of top-of-line corrosion. A
particular oxygen contaminated, wet gathering pipeline is described which experienced severe
corrosion in the vapor zone. Pigging could not be accomplished, therefore a corrosion inhibitor with
oxygen tolerance and vapor space capability was applied.
Corrosion in the line was subsequently monitored with coupons, ultrasonic thickness measurements
and periodic visual inspection. Corrosion inhibitor was detected in gas samples pulled from the line.
All indicators pointed to adequate corrosion control in this pipeline even though operated in the same
regime as before.