The effect of acetic acid on the CO2 corrosion of grade X70 steel

The effect of acetic acid (HAc) on the CO2 corrosion of grade X70 steel was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), polarization tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). In the absence of acetic acid, a fairly dense layer of iron carbonate (FeCO3/siderite) was formed. At 500 ppm HAc, FeCO3 layer became more porous. In addition, anodic/cathodic polarization curves were activated with the more pronounced effect on the cathodic side. By adding 1000 ppm HAc, similar polarization behavior was obtained and FeCO3 layer became yet more porous than previous conditions. At 2000 ppm HAc, FeCO3 layer disappeared completely, while polarization behavior changed and the limiting diffusive current density was observed in the cathodic side. There were two major increases in the corrosion rate at 500 and 2000 ppm HAc. The EIS results reflected similar behavior for the specimens exposed to the solutions with 0–1000 ppm HAc. Under these conditions, a charge transfer controlled behavior due to the FeCO3 layer was observed which was accelerated by increasing HAc concentration. At 2000 ppm HAc, the corrosion behavior changed considerably and the formation/adsorption of corrosion product followed by the dissolution process was observed.