Study on corrosion mechanism and its influencing factors of a short distance intermittent crude oil transmission and distribution pipeline

•A failed crude oil transportation pipe of a refinery plant was reported.•The possible corrosion mechanism for the pipe failure suggested was SRB (sulfate reducing bacteria corrosion).•SRB was related to the chemical composition of the bottom water of the tank and the flow rate of the pipeline.•The inhibitors is not suitable for the crude pipe in refinery.