Metal on metal corrosion on your pipe saddles proves to be a serious issue with many industrial pipes.
This issue is commonly found in offshore oil and gas facilities in areas like the Gulf of Mexico. Corrosion begins when the metal is exposed to the elements, like oxygen and water, and breaks down the metal.
Pipe saddles and pads are considered to be hot spots for corrosion due to the friction caused by metal on metal rubbing against each other.
Not to worry! Here are some tips on pipeline corrosion protection due to metal on metal friction in the winter years.
Ensure Your Metal is Properly Coated
Coating your pipes in the areas around the saddles and pads with a sealant will help mitigate corrosion for a period of time.
You can use pipe coatings, such as paint on the topside of piping to protect the metal against corrosion, specifically atmospheric corrosion that you may find in mater based industrial stations.
Be aware, however, that you must perform regular maintenance on your pipes, specifically near the saddle clamps area.
Use Sealants
To help mitigate the amount of metal on metal pipeline corrosion occurring, you may want to take advantage of using a sealant.
Sealants help prevent moisture ingress in the crevices of the saddles and pads. These sealants include silicone, epoxy and caulks. Explore this option with caution.
The sealant and steel surface may make a corrosion problem worse and form additional crevice in the bonding process.
Reevaluate the Support Being Used
There are loads of options for pipe support that may prove to be a better option than what you are currently using.
Taking advantage of an alternate solution, such as a half-saddle and cradle, can help mitigate the issue of corrosion. You can maintain the pipe more easily as well as half the amount of metal rubbing against each other.
You may also want to consider using a wear pad that reduces the metal on metal friction that causes corrosion. These pads are easy to install, and helps isolate the pipe from its support.
Some require additional welding or gluing, however, DynaGuard sells and manufactures pipe wear pads that are easy to install and offer protection to your pipes against metal on metal corrosion.
Next Steps: Which Pipeline Corrosion Protection Works Best for You?
While more pipes and their paired saddles and pads are made in stock, every corrosion problem is different.
This depends on your industry and the environment the pipes are being used in. Explore the types of pipe you have and possible roadblocks to using a specific metal on metal pipeline corrosion protection.
For more information on pipe corrosion and how to mitigate metal on metal friction that causes the corrosion, visit DynaGuard.
We sell and manufacture pipe wear pads that are easy to install and help avoid pipe metal on metal corrosion to extend the life and quality of your pipe. To get started increasing the life of your pipes, contact us today.
Leave a Reply