Corrosion Control in Geothermal Aerated Fluids Drilling Projects in Asia Pacific

Abstract

The introduction of air into the drilling fluid used for geothermal aerated fluids drilling operations brings with it an increased potential for the corrosion of the materials that it comes into contact with, particularly the downhole tubulars and the surface equipment involved.

It is therefore recommended that a corrosion control program be prepared when geothermal aerated fluids drilling operations are involved and this usually entails the monitoring of the level of corrosion and the introduction of corrosion inhibitors and other related chemicals into the drilling fluid.

This paper presents the corrosion control programs that have been put in place in selected projects in the Asia Pacific region that have utilized geothermal aerated fluids drilling and evaluates their effectiveness in addressing the level of corrosion in these operations. It also provides the common practices, equipment and materials used when corrosion control is utilized as well as recommendations as to how the system can be improved further for future projects.