Corrosion Prevention of Underground Reinjection Pipeline Using Geothermal-powered Impressed Current Cathodic Protection in Lahendong Geothermal Area

Abstract

A low pH Brine that flows through carbon steel pipe to the reinjection well will expose a rapid rate of pipe corrosion. Moreover, underground installation of pipe will multiply this corrosion effect and lead in environment pollution and financial losses. This issue could be reduced by applying novel method of corrosion prevention named Geothermal-powered Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (GICCP). This system utilizes a geothermal power source from heat of geothermal pipeline and converts to electric power by using thermoelectric device. Then the electric power is used in GICCP to develop a high potential difference between the surface of pipe to be protected and an anode. It is expected that the implementation of GICCP could inhibit the corrosion rate, extend the remaining life of pipeline, and reduce downtime period as well as the possibility of financial losses in geothermal industry.