Challenges in Corrosion Monitoring: First Known Servicing of Corrosion Coupons in Cyclic Steam in Heavy Oil Facilities

Abstract Heavy oil extraction, characterized by high viscosity and complex composition, necessitates the use of cyclic steam stimulation (CSS) to enhance oil flow and production. CSS, also known as "huff-and-puff" or "steam soak," consists of three stages: steam injection, shut-in (soak), and production. The first stage involves injecting high-pressure steam to reduce viscosity. The second stage allows steam to soak to enhance oil fluidity. Finally, the production stage extracts the now more mobile oil. These conditions present significant challenges to internal corrosion monitoring programs, particularly in monitoring and servicing corrosion coupons in heavy oil facilities. This paper highlights challenges encountered in monitoring corrosion coupons and the steps involved in their servicing and retrieval during steam cycles, emphasizing obstacles posed by the high temperatures, which can exceed 200°C. The procedure involved isolating the steam line, venting steam, and monitoring temperature decreases to below 200°C before retrieval. This work presents the first known servicing of corrosion monitoring coupons in steam cycles in heavy oil facilities, underscoring the importance of meticulous planning and execution. The authors aim to share these insights as part of our commitment to the corrosion community, enhancing the understanding and improving practices across the industry.