Affiliated Research Group:
Key Researcher(s):
Dr. Ime Obot
Dr. Ahmed Sorour
Dr. Mumtaz Quraishi
Dr. Yohanes Malede
As oil and gas consumption continues to rise, transitioning from conventional wells to high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) wells has become essential. However, HPHT gas wells present a uniquely corrosive environment, where extreme temperatures exceeding 100°C, combined with high CO₂ pressure and highly dissolved solids, significantly compromise traditional corrosion inhibitors. This limitation results in increased maintenance costs and a heightened risk of equipment failure, threatening operational sustainability.
To overcome these challenges, researchers at KFUPM developed a next-generation corrosion inhibitor tailored for HPHT wells, utilizing advanced computer simulations and rigorous laboratory testing. The inhibitor’s formulation was optimized through comprehensive corrosion assessments under real-world HPHT conditions, ensuring thermal stability at extreme temperatures and long-term efficacy. Its innovative chemistry directly addresses the severe corrosion threats present in downhole well structures, providing a reliable protective barrier for steel tubing against high pressures, CO₂ exposure, and dissolved solids in produced water. The developed technology represents a transformative advancement in energy extraction, setting a new standard for corrosion management in the industry.
The impact of this innovation extends beyond operational efficiency, significantly contributing to economic and environmental sustainability. With performance advantages such as up to 90% inhibition efficiency, the inhibitor drastically reduces corrosion rates, prolongs the service life of downhole tubing, and minimizes the risk of costly equipment failures. In 2022 alone, corrosion in U.S. downhole wells led to maintenance costs exceeding $463 million, a financial burden that this technology aims to alleviate. Moreover, by reducing the likelihood of catastrophic failures and leaks, the inhibitor enhances environmental protection, aligning with the industry's push toward responsible resource extraction. By pioneering this advanced corrosion inhibitor, KFUPM is reshaping the future of energy infrastructure, ensuring more reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable operations in high-temperature gas wells.
Through our commitment to sustainable development, this project aligns with the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):