Chemical Optimization Services Save Pipeline Operator $1.9M Per Year

Chemical optimization services provided by OGS helped a major pipeline operator save $1.9M annually. The operator had a high-volume line running from Cushing to Memphis which incurred a treatment cost of over $4.5 million per year. To optimize the chemical program, the operator brought in OGS to identify the root cause of the corrosion problem and help lower their treatment costs. OGS conducted a corrosion survey utilizing NACE and advanced monitoring techniques to determine baseline conditions and chemical effectiveness.

Following the survey, an optimization plan was agreed upon with the operator and chemical vendor. Next, the optimization plan was implemented with reductions and followed up with additional surveys to ensure that the line was still protected from further corrosion. In parallel, OGS conducted compatibility performance and biocide kill studies to determine the best industry products for this particular line and application.

The studies revealed that there was an incompatibility between the chemicals being used and the DRA-drag reducer. As a result, the biocide program was replaced with the most cost-effective product found from the studies. Further reductions and chemical volume were implemented with improved performance.

The operator achieved over $1.9M in savings with better results. The total OGS Optimization and study costs were $60k, providing them with a 2500% ROI with OGS optimization services. Instead of the originally budgeted $4.5M, the operator only spent $2.6 M after implementing the optimization plan. OGS's chemical optimization services allowed the pipeline operator to save significant costs while maintaining the integrity of the pipeline, with lower corrosion rates.