Based on laboratory and field data, the presence of acetic acid (HAc) in oilfield brines has been found to enhance both the occurrence and the rate of localized CO2 Top-of-Line Corrosion (TLC).
However, the fundamental role of this organic compound in CO2 corrosion is still a controversial topic, particularly concerning its electroactive participation in the overall cathodic mechanism. In an attempt to
assess this issue, the effect of HAc on the kinetic behaviour of carbon steel was addressed in this study by means of both electrochemical measurements and electron microscopy examinations. Whether HAc
acts as a specific cathodic reactant or just as a proton source or both was the central idea of the present work. The results are further discussed in terms of repercussions on TLC corrosion.
Keywords: CO2 corrosion; Top-of-line corrosion; Acetic acid; Pipeline steel.