As a materials engineer and group leader in Becht’s CMA division, Frank Sapienza has revealed a worrying new corrosion mechanism in oil and gas pipelines. This discovery, the result of extensive research at a coking plant, highlights the need to rethink inspection and maintenance strategies in the industry.
The identified corrosion mechanism is characterized by the action of low molecular weight organic acids that attack the metal surface in a localized manner, generating pitting and weakening the structure of the pipes. This form of corrosion is particularly difficult to detect using traditional inspections, which makes it a latent threat to the safety and efficiency of operations.
“We have identified that these organic acids, products of the degradation of more complex compounds, attack the metal surface in a very specific way, creating local conditions that accelerate the corrosive process,” explains Sapienza. “This discovery underlines the importance of carrying out detailed chemical analyses and of having corrosion experts to identify and mitigate these risks.”
Becht experts reveal a new corrosion mechanism and present recommendations for mitigation:
To mitigate the risks associated with this new type of corrosion, Becht recommends the following measures:
- Comprehensive chemical analysis: Regular chemical analysis of fluids is essential to identify the presence of corrosive organic acids and assess their damaging potential.
- Specialized inspections: Specific inspection programs must be implemented to detect the first signs of localized corrosion, using techniques such as ultrasonic and radiography.
- Proper selection of materials: The choice of corrosion-resistant materials is essential to protect pipes exposed to these aggressive environments.
- Corrosion inhibitors: The application of corrosion inhibitors can help mitigate the effects of organic acids.
- Continuous monitoring: It is necessary to establish a continuous monitoring system to detect any changes in process conditions that may promote corrosion.
This discovery underscores the importance of having a thorough understanding of corrosion mechanisms and implementing appropriate inspection and maintenance programs to ensure the integrity of facilities.
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