KAZAKHSTAN UPSTREAM OIL AND GAS technology and R&d ...

2.1 Corrosion plus equipment and materials for sour service
Challenge commentary
A combination of extreme weather, production
streams containing high levels of carbon dioxide
and hydrogen sulphide and, in some cases,
an offshore environment means that corrosion
is a severe challenge for the Kazakhstan oil
and gas industry. Uzen, Karamadybas and
Zhetybay, all high water cut fields, are known to
have problems with production casing integrity,
while mature fields like Kumkol South, Tengiz
and Korolev are reportedly beset by a variety
corrosion-related issues.
Improving corrosion management across
Kazakhstan’s oilfields is a huge challenge.
However, the prize is considerable: better
management would lead to more efficient
operations, improved productivity, and
reduced downtime; it would also improve
HSE performance.
Effective and early leak detection is a specific
issue. Kazakhstan needs to have robust
systems for leak detection at the surface and
downhole that are tailored to work under
conditions where H 2
S is present.
High pressure, high temperature streams
containing extremely high levels of H 2
S
place enormous demands on the pumps
and compressors used for liquid and,
especially, gas reinjection. Such equipment
for sour service is available internationally
but conditions in fields such as Kashagan
are as extreme as anywhere in the world
(15% H 2
S). The challenge is take the best
available technology, adapt it and apply it in
Kazakhstan.
Corrosion-resistant alloys and reinforced
polymer materials can provide good
containment solutions in demanding
production environments and for pipelines
carrying aggressive streams. But they
are expensive and have long lead times.
Kazakhstan needs to develop its own
materials science capabilities in this area in
order to provide cost-effective and tailored
solutions to the corrosion problems faced on a
frequent basis by most operators.
VALUE
CHALLENGE (elements)
Corrosion management
methods
Leak detection
High pressure pumps and
compressor for sour
2.1.2
2.1.4
2.1.5
2.1.6
2.1.3
TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS
2.1.1
ATTRACTIVENESS
2.1.1 Corrosion resistant materials for Kazakhstan conditions
2.1.2 Fiber optic leak detection techniques
2.1.3 Leak reduction and elimination
2.1.4 Control of sulphur production by reinjection
2.1.5 Sour gas equipment
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Cost effective corrosion
resistant materials
2.1.1 Corrosion resistant materials for Kazakhstan conditions
2.1.6 Local Production of Corrosion inhibition chemicals
Kazakhstan Upstream oil & gas technology and R&D roadmap