Inhibition mechanism of SRB corrosion of X80 steel by two cationic surfactants: DTAB and CPC

It was investigated that the corrosion inhibition mechanism of X80 steel in SRB environment under the effect of two cationic surfactant corrosion inhibitors: dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC). A synergistic mechanism of interfacial filming, microbial inhibition, and byproduct control was identified for both inhibitors. However, the optimal concentrations and environmental conditions for the two inhibitors showed significant differences due to the molecular structure differences between DTAB and CPC. DTAB (500 µM) and CPC (1000 µM) exhibited significant inhibitory effects on the SRB corrosion, with corrosion inhibition efficiencies of 86.3% and 90.5%, respectively. Moreover, there are significant differences in the temperature and pH value required for DTAB and CPC to achieve the best corrosion inhibition effect. This work provides both a theoretical basis and technical support for combating SRB corrosion in offshore oil wells.