Pipeline Corrosion: Its Remote Detection and Corrosion Management

Abstract The recent failure of a buried onshore 18C" refinery pipeline coated with FBE recites the ferocious consequences of corrosion problem. Situation will be even worrisome in case of marine environment where the entire aquatic life will be endangered. The critical zone prone to severe corrosion in offshore is transition area between riser thick coatings & atmospheric paint system where accelerated corrosion may occur. ISO 13623 established by ISO TC 67/SC2 deals with the design, construction, inspection and maintenance of pipelines used in oil industry. Corrosion management includes evaluation of corrosion, corrosion prevention, corrosion monitoring, periodic inspection & re-qualification of the pipeline& tubing. Intelligent Pigs and Remote Sensing Equipments can be used for estimation of corrosion. Intelligent pigs give the inner profile of the pipeline and run from one end to the other, however are costly affairs and are avoided. Remote sensing equipment essentially consists of infrared camera, video camera, laser spectrometer and global positioning system. Simulation of the readings gives the insight of the pipeline corrosion status and location of leakage. Working principle is temperature diminution, transmittance and thermal contrast of oil spot.