A model has been developed that can predict the corrosion rate in horizontal slug flows. The effect of the slug frequency and oil type on corrosion rate have been included. The model has been compared to
experimental data, and, to the model and field data of Gunaltun (1996). For all conditions, the corrosion rate increased with increase in slug frequency until a maximum in corrosion rate is reached at approximately
35 slugs/minute. At 60 C, the model compares well with that of Gunaltun (1996) if a slug frequency of 10 to 12 is used. For 80 C, the Gunaltun model is in good agreement if a frequency of 1 slug/minute is used. His model does include a term that predicts a maximum in the corrosion rate between 60 and 80 C. This has not been noticed in this laboratory for slug flows. For horizontal pipelines, field data suggests that, the slug frequency is usually in the range of 1 to 20 slugs/minute, depending on the liquid velocity. When the pipe is inclined, the slug frequency can increase to values much greater than these and this may lead to higher levels of corrosion. The oil type is accounted for using the suggestion of Efird (1989) based on the product of oil acid number and % nitrogen. When this relation is used, the results compare very well with those of Efird for the oils he studied.
Keywords: Horizontal Multiphase Flow, Corrosion, High Pressure, Carbon Steel, Prediction, Model.