Pipeline corrosion is a potential hazard for the oil and gas industry because it can affect the production and transportation processes. When pipelines are weakened over time, they can break easily and cause explosions and other equivalent dangers related to health problems for those nearby. This is why pipeline corrosion protection is an essential measure to curtail the effects thereof. This article will briefly highlight the causes of pipeline corrosion, signs to look out for, and effective measures to provide you with sufficient pipeline corrosion protection.
Common Causes
Pipeline corrosion can be categorized into internal and external corrosion. In internal corrosion, the contaminants are usually the materials that are transported within the pipeline such as chemicals and water. Whereas, external corrosion is mainly caused by the surrounding environmental conditions that can affect the coatings and cause them to disband. Other factors include poor workmanship during the pipeline installation process.
Detecting Corrosion
If you do not conduct regular maintenance on your pipeline system, then it will give you problems. If you are having trouble figuring out if your pipes are disintegrating or if the brown appearance is just soil, consider the following ways to detect corrosion.
- Conduct a visual inspection to look for obvious signs of damage, including cracks or pitting.
- Perform ultrasonic testing to identify thinning inside the pipeline walls.
Install high-tech equipment into the pipeline; as it moves through the line with the product (oil or gas, for instance), the equipment will detect potential problems.
Prevention
Pipe saddles are designed to insulate pipes and eliminate the risk of corrosion by preventing moisture penetration and metal-to-metal contact. They don’t require chemical mixing, straps, or hot work. The adequate protective coating is as essential as regular maintenance. Other preventative measures include using corrosive-resistant materials and cathodic protection.
The Bottom Line
Pipeline corrosion is a natural occurrence that you cannot fully prevent from happening. However, knowing what the causes are, being able to identify early signs, and utilizing measures to ensure pipeline corrosion protection as part of a regular maintenance process can benefit your business. If you suspect that your pipeline system may be in danger of corrosive damage, you should contact a professional who can determine the extent of the pipeline damage.
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