Geothermal Corrosion Case Studies at the Wairakei and Broadlands Geothermal Fields Using the Corrosometer Method

Abstract

Instantaneous and continuous corrosion rates can be monitored by a 'Corrosometer' method. This method can readily be adapted to solve problems on corrosion in geothermal fluids. In this paper, a variety of geothermal case studies are presented, demonstrating the value of this rapid corrosion assessment. These include a study of the effect of pressure on corrosion rate in some geothermal fluids at Broadlands, an investigation of rapidly corroding bleed pipes and connections at Broadlands well BR 32, a study of the effects of geothermal steam condensate velocity on the corrosion rate of mild steel at Wairakei, and corrosion inhibitor monitoring of high pressure steam transmission lines at Wairakei.