Corrosion is a natural phenomenon that can be difficult to prevent and control in the Oil and Gas industry. With increasingly harsh operating environments, pressure changes, and flow conditions, pipelines and infrastructure must be protected to ensure they are compliant, safe, and fit-for-purpose.
Element is the number one provider of Materials Testing, Inspection, and Certification services to the Oil and Gas Upstream sector and a leading international provider to the conventional Fuel and Nuclear Power Generation sector. We have the global reach, expertise and knowledge to help you prevent corrosion in your most critical assets utilizing corrosion inhibitor testing.
Corrosion inhibitors in the oil & gas industry
Corrosion inhibitors are chemical compounds are typically added to a metal or alloy to mitigate or control corrosion. The correct application of chemical corrosion inhibitors is vital to reduce corrosion and maximize the lifespan of metal applications.
Failures due to general and localized corrosion and under deposit corrosion can lead to impairment of the function of the metal, causing leaks, bursts, and loss of operational performance.
Our corrosion experts make certain that the most suitable combination of corrosion inhibitors are applied, to significantly reduce the rate of corrosion and ensure your pipelines remain protected.
Corrosion inhibitor test methods
Our corrosion inhibitor testing inspects metals, carbon steel, and corrosion-resistant alloys using electrochemical corrosion inhibitor testing methods to simulate a wide range of environments, including sweet (CO2) and sour (H2S) conditions for Oil & Gas applications.
We use Potentiodynamic Polarisation, Linear Polarisation Resistance (LPR), and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) test methods according to the most relevant ISO and ASTM standards to evaluate the influence and effectiveness of corrosion inhibitors.
Facilities and equipment
Element’s state-of-the-art testing laboratories can simulate a wide variety of high-pressure, high-temperature, flow regimes and sweet and sour environmental conditions:
- HPHT dynamic autoclaves
- Flow regimes
- Acid gasses (sweet and sour)
- Electrochemical monitoring systems
- RCE (Rotating cylinder electrode)
- Flow loop (sweet use)
The Element advantage
Our experts have specialist knowledge in corrosion testing, CO2 corrosion, H2S corrosion, and galvanic corrosion testing. With a global network of laboratories, we make certain that fast and accurate results in corrosion inhibitor investigations translate into a real-world asset.
For more information on Elements corrosion inhibitor testing methods or to speak to an expert, please contact us today.
Related Services

High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) Testing
Element offers an advanced HPHT testing program for polymers, metals, coatings and components used in highly aggressive environments.

Corrosion Testing
Find out how Element's corrosion testing programs can drastically reduce the risks associated with corrosion.

Electrochemical Corrosion Testing
Element provides electrochemical corrosion testing using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy, cyclic potentiodynamic polarization measurements and galvanic corrosion measurements.

Sour Service Corrosion Testing
Element is one of a few ISO certified sour service labs in the world, providing sour service corrosion services for a variety of test types including NACE MR0175/ISO 15156.