3-HPA-Based Corrosion Inhibitor Composition for Acidic Metal Surfaces

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing corrosion inhibitor formulations used in acidic environments are toxic and environmentally unacceptable, posing health risks and regulatory challenges, particularly in offshore environments.

Innovation Solution

A corrosion inhibitor composition using 3-hydroxypropion aldehyde (3-HPA) reacted with aliphatic components to form 3-HPA-based precursors, which are safer and more environmentally friendly, inhibiting corrosion on metal surfaces in acidic conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional corrosion inhibitors (acetylenic alcohols, alkenyl ketones, alkenyl aldehydes) are used to protect metal surfaces in acidic environments, then corrosion protection is achieved, but toxicity and environmental harm increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion protectionVSAvoidtoxicity and environmental harm

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical structure parameters of corrosion inhibitors by using 3-hydroxypropion aldehyde (3-HPA) as a precursor to synthesize new inhibitor molecules. This structural modification maintains the corrosion inhibition function while reducing toxicity and environmental harm, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful 3-HPA precursor into beneficial corrosion inhibitor compounds through controlled chemical reactions with amines. The synthesis process transforms a substance that could be harmful into protective agents that reduce corrosion while maintaining lower toxicity profiles compared to conventional inhibitors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Productivity

If acidizing treatments are performed to stimulate hydrocarbon production, then productivity increases, but corrosion of metal surfaces in equipment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrocarbon productionVSAvoidequipment integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies corrosion inhibitors to metal surfaces before acidizing treatments begin. This preliminary protection allows the acidizing process to proceed at full effectiveness for productivity enhancement while the pre-applied inhibitor layer prevents corrosion damage to equipment, resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The 3-HPA-based precursors provide effective corrosion inhibition in acidic environments, reducing health risks and environmental impact while maintaining performance, suitable for use in oil and gas wells and other industrial applications.

Implementation Method 1

Organic film forming corrosion inhibitors are a key component of commercial acid inhibitor formulations used to inhibit the corrosion of carbon steel and high alloys in strong mineral acids

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical adsorption: Chemisorption

Data Source

PatentEP4632033A1Corrosion inhibitor and related methods of inhibiting the corrosion of metal surfaces

Publication Date: 2025.10.15 SERVICES PETROLIERS SCHLUMBERGER SA

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

A corrosion inhibitor composition and a method of inhibiting corrosion on a surface (e.g., steel surface) are disclosed. The corrosion inhibitor composition includes a precursor that is a reaction product of 3-hydroxypropion aldehyde and at least one aliphatic component.