Study on the Relationship between the Corrosive Nature of Crude Oils and the Corrosion of Metals

Crude oils are primarily found in the interior of the earth and consist of various compounds, including corrosive composites like sulfur compounds, salts, and organic acids, which contribute to the degradation of metals. The main focus of this study was to investigate the impact of these corrosive compounds on the corrosion of seven different types of ferrous metals. The chemical compositions of the chosen ferrous metals and the corrosive properties of two different crude oils were analyzed using recommended instruments and standard methodologies. Metal coupons of the same size were prepared from the seven types of metals, and their corrosion rates were determined using the weight loss method. Additionally, the concentrations of corroded ferrous and copper were examined, and the variations in the initial hardness of the metals were measured. The findings revealed lower corrosion rates in stainless steels, higher corrosive effects from salts, the formation of FeS and Fe2O3, corrosion-related cracks and cavities on the metal surfaces, significant decay of ferrous and copper from certain metals into the crude oils, and minor reductions in the initial hardness of the metals as a result of corrosion.