STATUS REPORT: CORROSION RESISTANT ALLOYS.

The purpose of this article is to update the readership on oil field materials technology. Two basically different types of applications for tubular goods present themselves in oil and gas production: (1) oil country tubular goods (OCTG-casing and tubing) and (2) line pipe (gathering and trunk lines). Each will be discussed separately with regard to their unique requirements. Three basic approaches can be used to select materials for tubular components exposed to corrosive production environments. Initially, consider conventional solutions - that is, steels used with corrosion inhibitors. Second, determine if a solid CRA tubular design is feasible and economical. Third, a bimetallic design incorporating a CRA liner inside of a steel outer tube also can have attractive characteristics and may improve the economics of using CRA materials. Economics and various problem areas that still exist and impact the use of corrosion resistant alloys are discussed.