10062 A 5-M Approach to Control External Pipeline Corrosion

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Product Number: 51300-10062-SG

ISBN: 10062 2010 CP

Author: Sankara Papavinasam and Alex Doiron

Publication Date: 2010

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This paper presents a 5-M approach to the control of external pipeline corrosion. This approach includes: Mitigation, Modeling, Monitoring, Maintenance and Management:

Mitigation: The pipeline coating is the first line of defence against external pipeline corrosion. If it fails, the cathodic protection (CP) system acts as a back up, protecting those areas where the coating has failed. The type of coating on the pipe has an effect on the formation of the environment that causes corrosion and stress-corrosion cracking (SCC). Based on the coating used, based on more than 175 standards, and based on the results obtained in those standard tests, the corrosion rate of a pipeline protected by the coating is projected.

Model: Based on field operating conditions, the corrosion rate is adapted. Most of the data required in this process are the data required in the pre-assessment step of the NACE External Corrosion Direct Assessment (ECDA) and NACE Stress-Corrosion Cracking Direct Assessment (SCCDA) standards.

Monitoring: Using the above-ground survey results, the corrosion rate is validated. Most of the data required in this process are the data required in the indirect assessment of ECDA and SCCDA or data required in the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA) SCC recommended practice. This process in addition integrates the inline inspection (ILI) data, if available. Based on the below ground measurements, the corrosion rate is further verified.

Maintenance: Proper maintenance of the pipeline prolongs its life expectancy. From the corrosion rate the remaining life of the pipeline is calculated as described in the post-assessment process of ECDA and SCCDA.

Management: Freeware software to use this approach is available to integrate the processes as well as to manage the external corrosion of pipelines.

KEYWORDS: 5-M Approach, External Corrosion Direct Assessment, ECDA, coatings, prediction, and model