Black powder is one of the most prevalent and costly challenges faced by industries operating oil, gas, petrochemical, and aviation fuel pipelines . If not properly managed, pipeline contamination from black powder can result in significant operational inefficiencies and financial losses. In this article, we'll explore how black powder is formed, the issues it causes, and why addressing it is crucial for maintaining pipeline efficiency . What is Black Powder? Black powder is a type of ferrous contamination, typically appearing as a fine powder, liquid, or sludge. It primarily comprises microscopic corrosion particles—often sub-micron in size—accumulating inside pipelines. Over time, this build-up can amount to thousands of kilograms if left untreated. How is Black Powder Formed? The formation of black powder occurs due to a combination of environmental and chemical factors present in pipelines: Water Oxygen Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) Carbon d...