Session: Pipeline Safety and Asset Integrity Management
Internal Corrosion Mechanisms in Onshore Pipelines: Eagle Ford Basin Case Study Review (C2026-00230)
Monday, March 16, 2026
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM Central
Location: 362 BC
Earn .5 PDH
Interested in reading the entire paper? Click on the "Paper" button below to read on the AMPP Knowledge Hub!
*Please note, if your registration came with access to the conference proceedings don't forget to login to your AMPP Knowledge Hub account to access the paper for free. If you login and don't have access to the paper, you can purchase the individual paper or purchase the entire conference proceedings on your Knowledge Hub account.
Monica Fernandez, Vanessa Ortiz, Carlos Maldonado, Chris Jeske
This paper presents a comprehensive review of internal corrosion mechanisms observed in an 8-inch API 5L X52M onshore production pipeline located in the Eagle Ford Basin. The pipeline, which transports multiphase fluids from one pad with three wells, exhibited signs of accelerated internal corrosion within the first year of operation. The review integrates metallurgical analysis, microbial DNA sequencing, and operational data to evaluate the contributing factors. Evidence of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) was confirmed through DNA analysis, revealing the presence of sulfate-reducing and iron-oxidizing bacteria which could have been sourced from stagnant hydrotest water or the reservoir. Additionally, the presence of CO₂ in the gas phase was identified as a contributor to the corrosion environment. Metallurgical examination revealed characteristic MIC pitting morphologies, while scale composition and flow conditions supported the potential for CO₂ corrosion. This case study highlights the importance of proactive corrosion management strategies in new pipeline systems, including proper hydrotest water handling, early implementation of chemical treatment programs, and continuous monitoring. The findings provide valuable insights for improving internal corrosion control in similar onshore production environments.
