Definition(s)
Corrosive Oilfield Water
A water that induces corrosion of the casing, tubing, and wellhead because of low pH and elevated levels of temperature, pressure, bacteria, dissolved gases, and dissolved solids. The severity of the corrosion increases with an increase in the velocity of oilfield waters across the surfaces of the casing, tubing, and wellhead. Water found in fresh water aquifers typically is near ambient temperature, has low levels of dissolved gases and solids and has a relatively low velocity. As a result, fresh water aquifers are generally not very corrosive.
Source: API BULLETIN E3, Environmental Guidance Document: Well Abandonment and Inactive Well Practices for U.S. Exploration and Production Operations, First Edition, January 1993 (Reaffirmed June 2000). Global Standards