In-Situ Coating Method for Cleaning and Coating of Internally Corroded Pipelines in the Field

Abstract The In-Situ internal coating is a viable alternative for pipeline rehabilitation of corrode pipe and cost effective compared to replacement with new pipelines. The coating effectively controls internal pipeline corrosion through the application of multiple high build liquid epoxy coating that coats the entire internal surface of the pipeline including girth welds, corrosion pits, channels, corrosion lakes or general corrosion and other internal pipe imperfection’s to delay leaks and extend the remaining pipe life. The coating process can be applied to pipeline internal with diameters between 6 to 30 inches and over lengths up to 25km in one run. A field development technology trial was commissioned by some major oil companies in the Middle East to test the viability of using an internal liquid epoxy coating method to control corrosion in trunklines and flowlines that had suffered from both; pitting and general corrosion sited in Arabian Gulf oil fields. The process used involved a technique that has over 30 years of track records; with no leak reported up to date, across a wide range of geographies, industries and leading global corporate counterparties in Oil & Gas industry and Chemical industry as well. It has been concluded that the In-Situ coating method is a potential alternative of new pipe replacement; due to its low cost application in the field, effective method for avoiding high cost of pipe replacement with new pipe, reduce the use of Inhibitors, extend the existed pipeline service life and provides solution for girth weld coating in the field using liquid coating. Consequently, the In-Situ coating is a viable and reliable alternative for pipelines rehabilitations.