Electrochemical investigation on localised corrosion under silica sand deposit layers of carbon steel within a bespoke test cell

The corrosion behaviour of deep pit-like features on carbon steel under silica sand deposits has been evaluated using a bespoke localised corrosion cell. Local pH and electrochemical measurements were performed, including impedance spectroscopy and galvanic coupling. The corrosion rate of X65 carbon steel at four different recession depths up to 9 mm was evaluated in the presence and absence of a ∼8 mm-thick silica dioxide deposit layer, in a carbon dioxide-saturated environment. The deposit reduced corrosion rates to approximately 1 mm·yr−1 and iron carbonate formed on the steel surface under the deposit due to an increase in local pH.