YELLOW METAL FOR SOUR SERVICE

UNS C69100, a yellow metal copper-based alloy, is used extensively in the European oil and gas industry. A series of sour environmental test s was conducted at ambient temperatures and at elevated temperature an d pressure. The ambient temperature tests indicated high resistance to sulfide stress corrosion cracking (SSCC). Additionally, tests includi ng free sulphur exhibited no evidence of cracking. The high temperatur e and pressure tests also showed no tendency for SSCC. The corrosion r ate tests at ambient temperature indicated corrosion rates well below those of carbon steel tested in an identical environment. Hydrogen per meation measurements confirmed the corrosion rate measurements. This a lloy should be considered for sour service use.