Development of the influence of stress-corrosion on oil and gas field pipelines

Abstract

Corrosion failure of oil and gas field pipelines is a major challenge and economic loss source faced by the energy industry. Traditional studies often treat corrosion and mechanical stress as independent or merely superimposed factors. This review innovatively introduces the core concept of “stress-corrosion dynamic coupling field”, and systematically discusses how static and dynamic stresses, through various microscopic mechanisms such as altering the thermodynamic stability of materials, accelerating the mass transfer process, and destroying the protective film, affect the corrosion system. The article mainly reviews the evolution of understanding regarding the stress influence on various corrosion patterns, such as uniform corrosion, pitting corrosion, and corrosion fatigue, from the early single-stress corrosion cracking (SCC) research to the present. Subsequently, the article further explores the complexity of corrosion evolution in multi-field coupling (stresschemistry- microbiology) environments and emerging research methods. It also analyzes the existing monitoring and detection methods, corrosion prediction models, and protective new technologies. Finally, the article looks forward to new directions in stress-corrosion research, providing a theoretical framework and technical path for the safe design, production, and intelligent operation of oil and gas transportation systems.