Enamel (glassy) coatings for steel protection against high temperature corrosion

ABSTRACT Vitreous ceramic-like enamel coatings can be applied onto low-alloy and carbon steel components of various configurations, including tubulars, by different cost-effective technological methods achieving thicknesses up to 300 µm. Corrosion resistance of the enamel coatings in acidic environments, boiling brines and high temperature – high pressure (HT-HP) steam with a presence of CO2-H2S containing gases simulating some processes in refinery, oil & gas and geothermal production was tested and evaluated. Specifically, the testing in simulating HT-HP downhole production conditions was conducted for the enamel coatings for the first time. Microstructural examination and analysis of the obtained enamel glassy coatings revealed their insignificant compositional and structural degradation. A high level of steel protection by enamelling in considered environments demonstrated these coatings’ potential for different corrosion-related industrial processes.