For control of top of line corrosion (TLC) in multiphase wet gas lines, the best technique
currently available on the market is the TLCC-PIG (or spray pig). Its main disadvantages are firstly
the necessity of monthly treatment, which may not be compatible with the production requirements,
and secondly relatively low efficiency, which is around 70-75 %, if the treatment is monthly. The
author’s company decided to work with a corrosion inhibitor manufacturer in order to develop
volatile corrosion inhibitors, with the development project starting in 2004. After a series of preliminary
tests in an independent laboratory, one promising molecule was selected for loop testing, which were
finalised in 2007. The volatile product is mixed with a bottom line corrosion inhibitor, tested
separately, in order to have a single injection point for bottom line and top of line corrosion inhibitors.
The formulated product was field tested in 2008 and early 2009. This paper summarises the
preliminary results and corrosion loop test results. The results of field testing will be presented
separately.
Key words: top of line corrosion, TLC control, volatile corrosion inhibitor, inhibitor testing