The Performance of Zirconium Alloys in Sulfide Solutions

Abstract

Zirconium Grades R 60702, R 60704, and R 60705 were investigated for deep sour gas well applications. Test methods include autoclave, constant strain, sustained load, and constant strain rate techniques. Test results indicate that these alloys have excellent resistance to general corrosion and to stress corrosion cracking in sulfide environments. No cracking was detected in all grades of zirconium in 5% NaCl + 0.5% CH3COOH + saturated H2S at room and boiling temperatures. Hydrogen sulfide seems to play a neutral role in the corrosion reactions of zirconium because of zirconium's low affinity for sulfur.