Can Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite Replace Expensive CRA in CCUS Injection Wells?

Abstract Deploying Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) is pivotal for achieving the International Energy Agency's Net Zero Emissions by 2050 goals. However, the global implementation rate puts this goal in peril due to high capital costs, exacerbated by the corrosive environment from water and industrial impurities in CO2 resources, necessitating costly corrosion-resistant alloys. Despite the prevalent belief in the excellent mechanical strength and chemical inertness of polymers to downhole corrosion environments, Fiber-reinforced Polymer Composite (FPC) materials have shown promise in CCUS applications, touted as cost-effective alternatives to traditional Corrosion-Resistant Alloys (CRA). However, limited research and field experience hinder their widespread adoption. This study reveals that FPC materials also face corrosion and degradation issues, elucidating their fundamental failure mechanisms through systematic aging tests and comprehensive characterization methods. Furthermore, a new degradation model is introduced to establish the safe application envelope of FPC materials based on project lifespan, ensuring their long-term reliability in CCUS applications.