LAUSR

Purpose This paper aims to describe the corrosion behavior and possibility of inhibition by corrosion inhibitor SA1-3 in acidizing solution (5 per cent hydrochloric acid [HCl] solution). The study aims to explain the mechanism of corrosion and inhibition of N80 steel in 5 per cent HCl solution to provide theoretical basis for expanding the range of application of N80 steel in acidification process. Design/methodology/approach This paper opted for a laboratory study using simulation of acidizing solution to do the experiments. The results of experiments including weight-loss method, electrochemical method and surface analysis were used to explain the mechanism of corrosion and inhibition so as to predict the dissolution progress of N80 steel in 5 per cent HCl solution with and without inhibitor SA1-3. Findings This paper provides theoretical insights about how to inhibit the corrosion behavior of N80 steel in 5 per cent HCl solution. It suggests that the corrosion inhibitor which can form a protective film on the steel surface should be used to expand the application of N80 steel in acidizing solution. The inhibitor SA1-3 is a kind of cathodic corrosion-controlling inhibitor which mainly inhibits cathode corrosion; it cannot change the corrosion mechanism of N80 steel. Originality/value This paper provides a theoretical basis for the corrosion behavior and inhibition mechanism of N80 steel in acidizing solution.