OCTG Pup Joint Corrosion Protection Methods

Date:2024-04-01Tags:pup joints, casing and tubing, Tubing, pup joint

The produced fluid in oilfield development and production has high salinity and contains sulfide, carbon dioxide, oxygen, sulfate anaerobic bacteria, etc., which are strong electrolytes and are highly corrosive to down hole tubing and casing.Pup joints are a common component in industrial pipeline connections. Short joints are divided into oil pipe pup joints and line pipe pup joints. The oil pipe nipple is a short section of oil pipe. Compared with the oil pipe, only the length is different, and everything else is the same.Oil pipe anti-corrosion pup joint technology is a commonly used pipeline anti-corrosion method, which can effectively prevent pipelines from being damaged due to corrosion during transportation and use.Let’s take a detailed look at the anti-corrosion pup joint technology of oil pipes and its application in engineering.

Pup Joints


Why OCTG Pup Joints Corrodes?

Corrosion in oil tubing occurs when the metal reacts with corrosive elements in fluids or surrounding environments. Common causes include:
CO₂ corrosion: Carbon dioxide forms carbonic acid in the presence of water, aggressively attacking steel surfaces.
Acid gases and H₂S: These can accelerate pitting and sulfide stress corrosion cracking.
Water and salts: Even small amounts of water and dissolved salts in crude oil can trigger oxidation and uniform corrosion.

Without protection, corrosion directly degrades the tubing material, leading to wall thinning, leaks, and mechanical failures.


How does a pup joint prevent corrosion?

Pup joints are commonly used in oil and gas wells to connect standard tubing or as custom-length sections. Because these short joints are exposed to high-pressure, high-temperature, and corrosive fluid environments underground, corrosion protection is crucial for ensuring service life and operational safety. Common corrosion protection methods are as follows:


1. Corrosion Protection with Coatings

Epoxy Resin Coating: Applying an epoxy coating to the outer surface of the pipeline forms a robust protective layer against oxidation and chemical corrosion.
Polyethylene or Polypropylene Coating: Wear-resistant and chemically resistant, commonly used during transportation or storage.
Heat Shrink Tubing or Heat Shrink Tape: Covering pipe joints and threads enhances corrosion resistance and sealing.

2. Corrosion Protection with Galvanizing

Hot-Dip Galvanizing (HDG): Immersing the pipeline surface in molten zinc to form a thick, uniform zinc layer that prevents rust for extended periods.
Electro-Zinc Plating: Forming a thin zinc layer on the pipe surface; low cost, but slightly less durable than hot-dip galvanizing.

3. Internal and External Corrosion Protection Treatments

Internal Corrosion Protection: For oil or gas pipeline sections, applying anti-corrosion paint or an epoxy coating to the inner wall prevents corrosion from the medium.
External Corrosion Protection: Coating or applying anti-rust oil to protect the outer surface of the pipe.

4. Corrosion Inhibitor Protection

During transportation and storage, rust-preventive oil or volatile corrosion inhibitors can be added inside and outside the pipe to create a protective atmosphere and reduce oxidation and corrosion.

5. Cathodic Protection

For short sections of oil pipelines buried underground or on the seabed for extended periods, metal corrosion can be inhibited through sacrificial anode or impressed current cathodic protection.



The specific applications of anti-corrosion pup joint technology for casing and tubing include the following aspects:

Surface treatment: Surface treatment is carried out at the oil pipe connection, such as spraying anti-corrosion paint, hot-dip galvanizing, etc., to form a protective film to block the erosion of the pipeline by corrosive media.

Coating protection: Use special anti-corrosion coatings, such as epoxy resin coatings, polyethylene coatings, etc., to improve the corrosion resistance of pipelines.

Cathodic Protection: Reduce corrosion by installing cathodic protection equipment, such as cathodic protection galvanic systems, on the surface of the pipeline, making the pipeline a cathode.

Insulation layer: An insulation layer is installed at the pipe connection to prevent direct contact of corrosive media with the pipeline and improve the corrosion resistance of the pipeline.


The technical parameters of oil pipe anti-corrosion Pup Joint are as follows. Anode dimensions: φ102mmx460mm; Anode alloy materials: A1, Zn; Design life: 3 years; Installation position: One oil pipe is installed every 90~100m.


In general, oil pipe anti-corrosion plug joint technology has important application value in the engineering field. It can ensure the safe and stable operation of the pipeline system, reduce environmental pollution, and reduce operating costs. It is a very effective pipeline anti-corrosion method. With the continuous advancement of science and technology, I believe this technology will be more widely used and developed.



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