Cathodic Protection of Oil and Gas Well Casings

This article discusses the use of CP (cathodic protection) for the cost effective control of external well casing corrosion. CP is an important tool because maintaining casing integrity is essential to oil and gas production, water and gas injection, and gas storage fields. When a leak develops, production (or injection) usually ceases until the leak is repaired or a liner is installed. When corrosion is severe, the casing can collapse and the well may have to be abandoned, which can result in lost reserves. CP can be utilized in maintaining casing integrity caused by external corrosion, thereby reducing operating costs and maximizing total production and profits.