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.

KEYWORDS:

• Enamel
• glass
• coatings
• corrosion resistance
• steel
• microstructure

Acknowledgements

The authors appreciate the assistance of AO Smith (USA), specifically Mr. Mike Wilczynski, for providing the enamel powder samples for testing and our discussion at the project initiation.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).