In the relentless pursuit of safeguarding metal infrastructure in the harsh, high-temperature environments of oil and gas fields, a team of researchers has developed a novel, eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor that promises to revolutionize the industry. The study, led by WANG Qian and TIAN Huiwen from the Key Laboratory of Advanced Marine Materials at the Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, introduces a new bis-benzimidazole ring derivative, dubbed AUB, which has demonstrated exceptional performance in simulated acidic oil and gas field conditions.
The research, published in *Cailiao Baohu* (translated as *Materials Protection*), details the synthesis of AUB using lauric acid and o-phenylenediamine as primary raw materials. The inhibitor’s structure was confirmed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), ensuring the successful creation of the compound. “The synthesis process is not only straightforward but also environmentally friendly, aligning with the growing demand for green solutions in the energy sector,” noted WANG Qian, the lead author of the study.
Electrochemical tests and surface analysis techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS), confocal micro-Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and upright fluorescence microscopy, were employed to evaluate AUB’s performance. The results were impressive. At a temperature of 298 K, the corrosion inhibition efficiency reached 90.00% with the addition of 8×10-3 mol/L AUB. Even at the higher temperature of 358 K, the efficiency remained robust at 84.29% with the same concentration. “These findings indicate that AUB can provide long-term protection for metals in extreme environments, which is crucial for the longevity and safety of oil and gas infrastructure,” explained TIAN Huiwen.
Beyond corrosion inhibition, AUB exhibited multifunctional capabilities. It effectively combined with calcium ions in solutions with high scale content, adsorbing onto the active sites of calcium carbonate crystals and disrupting the biofilm of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), thereby offering antibacterial effects. Quantum chemical calculations further supported AUB’s efficacy, with electronic parameters suggesting its high effectiveness as both a nucleophilic and electrophilic reagent.
The commercial implications of this research are significant. Corrosion and scaling are perennial challenges in the oil and gas industry, leading to costly downtime and maintenance. AUB’s ability to inhibit corrosion, prevent scaling, and resist bacterial activity in high-temperature environments could translate into substantial savings and enhanced operational efficiency. “This multifunctional inhibitor has the potential to transform how we approach corrosion management in the energy sector,” said WANG Qian.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the demand for innovative, sustainable solutions grows ever more pressing. The development of AUB represents a step forward in addressing these challenges, offering a glimpse into a future where advanced materials and green chemistry play pivotal roles in ensuring the resilience and efficiency of critical infrastructure. With further research and development, AUB could become a cornerstone in the fight against corrosion, paving the way for more reliable and cost-effective operations in the oil and gas industry.