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CORROSION OF GAS PIPELINE, IT CONTROL AND MONITORING DEPARTMENT

OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING A REPORT On CORROSION OF GAS PIPELINES,
ITS CONTROL AND MONITORING CORROSION OF GAS PIPE....

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 UNIVERSITY OF PORTHARCOURT
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

A
REPORT
On
CORROSION OF GAS PIPELINES, ITS CONTROL AND
MONITORING

BY

NWEKE JAMES
U2008/3030252

COURSE TITLE: TECHNICAL SEMINAR

COURSE CODE: ChE 512.2

COURSE COORDINATOR: Dr. Otaraku

MARCH, 2014.

CORROSION OF GAS PIPELINE, IT CONTROL AND MONITORING Page 1

 ABSTRACT

The control and monitoring corrosion of gas pipelines include the combination

of coating with cathodic protection and also good maintenance culture. To

adequately protect external corrosion, a coating must conduct Cathodic

Protection current when disbandment occurs. Repairing points of coating

defects which decreases the rate of corrosion, a step to step method on how to

use the impressed current which is the commonly used for pipes was stated.

CORROSION OF GAS PIPELINE, IT CONTROL AND MONITORING Page 2

 TABLE OF CONTACT

Page

Title Page i

Abstract ii

Table of Content iii

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction 1

1.1 Background of study 2

1.2 Objective of study 4

1.3 scope of work 4

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 Literature review 5

2.1 Causes of Corrosion 8

2.1.1 Internal corrosion 8

2.1.2 External corrosion 9

2.2 Harmful effects 10

2.3 types of corrosion damage 12

2.4 Factors affecting corrosion 12

2.4.1 Relative Velocity 12

2.4.2 Presence of impurities 12

2.4.3 Oxidizing agent 13

CORROSION OF GAS PIPELINE, IT CONTROL AND MONITORING Page 3

2.5 Types of various form of corrosion 13

2.5.1 Uniform corrosion 13

2.5.2 Localized corrosion 14

2.5.3 Pitting corrosion 14

2.5.4 Erosion corrosion 14

2.5.5 Microbiological Corrosion 14

2.5.6 Uniform corrosion prevention 15

2.6 Corrosion detection and measurement 15

2.6.1 Visual inspection 15

2.7 Corrosion Control Methods 16

2.7.1 Conditioning the metal 16

2.8 Methods of preventing corrosion 16

2.8.1 Coating and linings 17

2.8.2 Selection and use of non-metallic materials 17

2.8.3 Use of corrosion inhibitor 17

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 Methodology 19

3.1 Cathodic protection 19

3.2 Impressed current 19

3.3 How to use impressed current protection 20

3.4 Advantage of impressed current 20

CORROSION OF GAS PIPELINE, IT CONTROL AND MONITORING Page 4
3.5 Protective coating 20

3.6 Monitoring corrosion 21

3.7 Visual monitoring 21

3.7.1 Coupons and test spools 21

3.7.3 Electrical resistance probe 21

3.8 Chemical analyses 22

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 Conclusion 23

4.1 recommendation 23

References 25-26

CORROSION OF GAS PIPELINE, IT CONTROL AND MONITORING Page 5

 CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

A significant number of underground pipelines are made of relatively low

resistance to corrosion such as carbon steel and cast iron. Pipelines made of

such material are endangered by disadvantageous interaction of various types of

factors. From the exterior corrosion action occurs of aggressive soil,

underground water, corrosion macro-cells, stray currents and microorganisms.

Internal corrosion processes are affected mainly by the type and properties of

transported medium and the flow character. In order to eliminate or weaken the

above hazards and ensure safe operation of pipelines one should apply effective

anticorrosion methods and means. Best effects are ensured by simultaneous

application of two compatible complementary anticorrosion protection methods.

High quality insulation coatings and electrochemical protection: sacrificial

anodes or impressed current cathodic protection. Stable and effective

functioning of this type of protection requires in turn application of appropriate

monitoring systems, allowing systematic control of their quality during many

years of operation of pipelines. In this seminar work, a short review has been

given of monitoring techniques available today of external and internal

corrosion of underground pipelines, especially in cathodic protection conditions

(CP).

CORROSION OF GAS PIPELINE, IT CONTROL AND MONITORING Page 6

1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY:

For the oil and gas industries to successfully reduce materials costs and improve

operations, corrosion monitoring and control is an important aspect of the

routine check and inspection operations. Efficient corrosion control strategies

integrate corrosion monitoring (CP), inspection, risk assessment integrate and

corrosion control. Corrosion monitoring plays a key role in the efforts to

increase operational reliability and efficiency. Because of many aspect

involved, ranging from technical issues to organizational aspect and data

handling, setting up a CM system is usually a complex matter.

Corrosion can be defined as the undesirable deterioration of metals, non-metals,

or metallic alloys. It is as a result of the metals and environmental interaction

with adverse consequences on the properties of metals. Metals are attacked by

different types of chemicals within their environment, leading to loss in their

aesthetic values. However, most metals expect the noble ones like gold and

platinum in their natural state occur in combination with other elements or

compound to form oxides, sulphides and sulphates metals thus obtained in an

unstable state and therefore have a tendency to their stable natural state

In Nigeria pipelines are extensively used in the transmission of natural gas,

pipelines are by far most important mode of gas transportation because of their

remarkable efficiency and reduced transportation cost over a period of time.

CORROSION OF GAS PIPELINE, IT CONTROL AND MONITORING Page 7

Going by important of pipeline as regards its distribution and promotion of its

longevity, it is necessary to ensure that pipelines meets operational and safety

requirements during design, construction, installation and operation. In design

stage, the proper steel must be selected to withstand temperature, pressure and

environmental conditions. Most pipelines are coated on the exterior to protect

against corrosion and other damages while some are coated on the exterior to

improve flow conditions or to protect against corrosion by fluid being

transported. The use of proper welding techniques and procedures will avoid

damage to coating pipe. Comprehensive inspection of completed welds is a

safety requirement. Pipeline corrosion can result in damage to the pipeline.

Cathodic protection has long been used to protect pipelines from corrosion.

In the industries, corrosion is one thing we cannot do away with as corrosion

processes are in many ways predictable, for example, when a metal and some

compound of much lower free energy are in contact, an interaction is very likely

to take place once the system universally tends to seek a low energy situation.

Prediction of free energy occurrence does not necessarily indicate the rate at

which it will proceed. In engineering application, this is an important factor to

consider, since the selection of an absolute corrosion material will often be

precluded on economic grounds (Phillips et al, 2008). It is important for the

designer to consider whether a material will corrode in a particular environment

and, if so, at what rate. The rate of corrosion reaction cannot be predicted from

CORROSION OF GAS PIPELINE, IT CONTROL AND MONITORING Page 8

considerations of energy changes since many factors may intervene in such a

way to restrain its progress.

Corrosion therefore is a threat as it reduces the efficiency and lifespan of gas

pipelines. Corrosion therefore should be prevented but were it already exists; it

should be properly monitored and controlled to avoid further damage on the

pipeline.

1.2 OBJECTIVE OF STUDY

The basic objective of this seminar work includes the following;

 To know the different types of corrosion and its control measures.

 The best method for controlling and monitoring pipelines.

 How to use impressed current protection to control corrosion.

1.3 SCOPE OF WORK

This seminar research work is intended to cover the stated objective; one of the

major points of this work is the use of impressed current with coating to protect

the pipeline.

CORROSION OF GAS PIPELINE, IT CONTROL AND MONITORING Page 9

 CHAPTER TWO

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

The challenge facing corrosion engineers is how to save part of the losses due to

corrosion by making significant and cost effective reduction problems in our

industries. Apart from the catastrophic mechanical failures of pipe, corrosion

has been of global concern in the oil and gas industries. “It has become plainly

and sometime painfully apparent by events of the past decade that, all materials

scientists as well as engineers in a broad section of professional activities should

know something about environmental effects on properties of materials

including the corrosion behaviour of metals” (Uanlig, 2000).

The study of corrosion was dated far back as the early forties. Intense research

has been made by different corrosion scientists in order to reduce losses due to

corrosion.

Frange (1998) studied the problems of high strength steel in oil and gas

pipelines. The effects of various environments were also studied and this led to

the establishment of boundaries in the use of high strength steel in oil and gas

production. The higher the strength the more factors became restrictive. A

larger scale line is at where they can be kept out of the most severe conduction.

However in recent times, the observations of the inner surface of transport gas

pipeline done after the long term operation in the pits especially at the bottom

CORROSION OF GAS PIPELINE, IT CONTROL AND MONITORING Page 10

section of the pipe revealed that the presence of residual water was the main

reason for corrosion damage. (Slobodyan el, 2002). The difference between the

bulk material corrosion resistances of the various parts of installations (i.e.

upper/bottom parts of exploited/unexploited pipes) was detected in the residual

water and this has been accounted for the degradation of steels during their

operation.

In another study by Krawsowsky et al (2001), they pointed out the problem of

mechanical strength of steel pipelines, which have been in service for up to

thirty years. These include:

1. Increase in hydrogen induced cracking and

2. Drop in resistance due to brittle cracking.

Robinson (1960) reports that, the role of coating as a control measure during

production operations has become an increasingly important one for this reason

(Cost).

Operators have become aware of the saving and benefits to be gained from the

proper selection and use of coatings. The most frequently used corrosion

monitoring and control technique include: Dawson (1990).

Proper material selections

Protective coating

Cathodic protection

Chemical inhibitors

Proper mechanical handling of fed and products etc.

CORROSION OF GAS PIPELINE, IT CONTROL AND MONITORING Page 11

Addition, Blanchatti (2000) stated that the most economical combination of

measures is by combining a coating system with a cathodic protection system.

The coating system should have electrical and mechanical properties, which

will deteriorate at the lowest rate with time under in station conditions.

Designing and Constructing an initial Corrosion monitoring and control

mechanism with sufficient reserve capacity to allow for expected increased

current requirements from anticipated coating degradation will result in overall

cost savings (Philips. et al, 2008). He further pointed out that, goods economics

principles should be used in all pipeline corrosion works.

Over the years, the cost of implementing a corrosion control system has proven

to be extremely of beneficial in the reduction of leaks and extension of the

useful life of pipelines. He stressed that the additive for corrosion control

systems accounts for a very small percentage of initial pipeline construction

costs and that corrosion control systems should be implemented as a standard

operating procedure for all buried pipelines. He summarized by showing that

the most obvious economic contribution to corrosion mitigation is good

maintenance. Without proper maintenance and system performance, the initial

investment is not optimized and cost of corrosion control investment will be a

wasted expenditure.

CORROSION OF GAS PIPELINE, IT CONTROL AND MONITORING Page 12

2.1. CAUSES OF CORROSION

Corrosion may occur internally (i.e. in the inner walls of the pipe) or externally

(i.e. on the outer surface of the pipe). The causes based on these two types

include: Britton (2002)

2.1.1 INTERNAL CORROSION

i. Water: this is the primary cause of internal corrosion in gas pipelines as

dry gas water free liquids do not corrode pipelines. Water in pipelines

absorbs Oxygen (02), Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and Carbon dioxide

(CO2). (Slobodyan, 2002).

ii. Oxygen: Oxygen causes the least severe corrosion when alone but has an

initiate’s corrosion when other conditions are present.

iii. Hydrogen Sulphide and Carbon dioxide: both singly, or in

combination reduce the pH and can lead to severe localized corrosion

attack. (http;//www.Ingpedia.com)

iv. Erosion: this can also contribute by eroding away protective scales and

exposing fresh metal to attack. (http;//www.Ingpedia.com)

v. Microbiological influence: the presence of deposits creates an

electrochemical cell whereby the material beneath the deposit is attacked

preferentially. These deposits promote the growth of bacteria that leads to

these types of corrosion. Examples of the common microbes that cause

CORROSION OF GAS PIPELINE, IT CONTROL AND MONITORING Page 13

 corrosion are Sulphate reducing bacteria, which generates H2S from

reduction Sulphates.

vi. Hydrogen sulphide: This can lead to several related types of cracking

caused by hydrogen. They include;

 Hydrogen reduced cracking (HIC) also known as stepwise cracking (SW)

 Stress Oriented Hydrogen induced cracking (SOHIC). It is only wrought

steels that are susceptible to these types of corrosion attack (Eyis R.

2008)

 Sulphide Stress Cracking (SSC): this type affects only relatively hard

steels, and is influenced by stress levels. The characteristics of the crude

oil eg. pH, density, pressure, and temperature etc can also cause internal

corrosion (Tophat, 2004).

2.1.2 CAUSES OF EXTERNAL CORROSION

External corrosion in the form of pitting and general metal loss results from the

following: (Britton, 2002).

i. Improper coating: This results in “holidays” (i.e. holes) in the coating,

disbanded area where water can accumulate on the pipe under coating

and permeability.

ii. Inadequate Cathodic Protection: this occurs as a result of insufficient

current for some particular location of pipe.

iii. Interference from other pipelines/Mechanical abrasion: this can lead

to localized corrosion.
CORROSION OF GAS PIPELINE, IT CONTROL AND MONITORING Page 14
iv. Shorted Casing; this usually occurs at cased crossings.

v. Stress corrosion cracking.

vi. Defective pipes and welds: the defects in pipes and welds account for

relatively small proportion of pipeline failures.

2.2 HARMFUL EFFECTS

The consequences of corrosion are many and varied, the effects of these on the

save, reliable and efficient operation of equipment or these structures are often

more serious in the simple loss of a metal. Failures of various kinds and the

need for expensive replacement may occur even though the amount of metal

destroyed is quite small. Some of the major harmful effects of corrosion can be

summarised as follows:

i. Reduction of metal thickness: this leads to loss of mechanical strength

and structural like structure and considerable weakening may result from

quite a small amount of metal loss.

ii. Reduced value of goods due to deterioration of appearance.

iii. Contamination of fluids in pipes.

iv. Loss technically important surface properties of a metallic component.

v. Mechanical damage to valves, pumps, process filters etc, or blockage of

pipes by solid corrosion product.

vi. Added complexity and expense of equipment, which needs to be designed

to withstand a certain amount of corrosion, and to allow corroded

components to be conveniently replaced. (Feliu, 1996).

CORROSION OF GAS PIPELINE, IT CONTROL AND MONITORING Page 15

The effect can be based on the following:

a. Effect on pipe: Corrosion can lead to wear of the pipe and this condition

can give rise to leakage. In severe cases, it can cause the pipe to rupture

thereby leading to oil spill.

b. Effect on the environment: when gas leaks occur as a result of rupture,

it leads to explosion which can burn down trees, forests, wildlife and the

whole ecological habitat where the pipe is located. On the other hand, if it

leaks in an aquatic environment, it can affect aquatic life by poisoning the

fish, colouring the water and making it unsafe. (Koch, 2002).

c. Effect on the public: long exposure of gas leakage can be hazardous to

human health because tire outbreaks due to its high flammability when

exposed to a little flame, this results in loss of lives, maiming and loss of

property. (Koch 2002).

d. Effect on industry; the aim of gas industries, which is to make profit

from export of gas, will be defeated. Instead, more cost will be made on

plant repairs.

e. Effect on the Economy; The cost of maintenance of corroded pipes will

be doubled that of purchased and prevention, for example, in the case of

explosion were human lives are lost and injured, properties are destroyed,

the government will have to pay compensation to the families or

communities affected, they will also have to assist the industry in

CORROSION OF GAS PIPELINE, IT CONTROL AND MONITORING Page 16

 rebuilding or repairing damage done to the plant. It is therefore wiser to

prevent this from happening.

2.3 TYPES OF CORROSION DAMAGE

There are two types of corrosion damage they include:

 General (or surface) corrosion: this type extends over the entire surface

of the pipe. The coverage may be uniform or non-uniform on the metal

surface (NACE, 2005).

 Local corrosion; this type is limited to some selected areas while the

remaining of the surface are intact. Generally, local corrosion is more

dangerous than corrosion as it is more difficult to notice. (NACE, 2005).

2.4 FACTORS AFFECTING CORROSION

Many factors are responsible for the corrosion of metals. These are relative

velocity, presence of impurities, nature of firm, and oxidizing agent.

2.4.1 RELATIVE VELOCITY

An increase in velocity of relatively movement between a corrosive solution

and a metallic surface tends to accelerate corrosion of metals. This effect may

be due to the rate of which might otherwise accumulate and retard corrosion are

carried away.

2.4.2 PRESENCE OF IMPURITIES

Impurities can exhibit or lead effect from the corrosion start point, impurities in

a stream may act as a catalyst and actually accelerate corrosion. For instance,
CORROSION OF GAS PIPELINE, IT CONTROL AND MONITORING Page 17
small amount of chloride in a process stream can cause the breakdown of the

oxide film on stainless steel and accelerate its corrosion. This is hydrogen

sulphide when dissolve in water, it is a weak acid and therefore, it is a source of

hydrogen ions and is corrosive.

2.4.3 OXIDIZING AGENTS

Majority of the metallic corrosion observed in practice proceed under conditions

where the oxidation of hydrogen by oxygen to form water is a necessary part of

the corrosion process. For this reason, oxidizing agents are often powerful

accelerations of corrosion.

2.5 TYPES OF VARIOUS FORMS OF CORROSION

There are broad classifications of the various forms of corrosion in which five

major types have been identified. These are uniform, localized, pitting, Erosion

and Micro-Biological corrosion.

This basis of corrosion classification is usually on the appearance of the

corroded metal. Identification of the form of corrosion is mostly by visual

observation either by the naked eye or magnification. These forms are detail as

thus:

2.5.1 UNIFORM CORROSION

It is usually characterized by chemical or electrochemical reaction which occurs

uniformly over the entire exposed surface of a metal. That is, all areas of the

metals corrode at the same rate. This type of corrosion is observe on steel and

CORROSION OF GAS PIPELINE, IT CONTROL AND MONITORING Page 18

zinc immersed in a corrosive media which usually results in general reduction

of thickness of the metal and finally leads to its failure.

2.5.2 LOCALIZED CORROSION

This type of attack is concentrated on specific are of the metal and lead to

sudden damage to the metal. It is a common phenomenon in the corrosion of

aluminium and it is responsible for the performance of aluminium products.

2.5.3 PITTING CORROSION

It is a form of extremely localized attack that results in the formation of cavities

or holes due to significant penetration of the metal. It is one of the most

destructive forms of corrosion, as it cannot be detected early by visual

inspection. (Evis, 2008).

2.5.4 EROSION CORROSION: it is the corrosive deterioration of a metal

accelerated by relative motion between the electrolytes i.e. the corrosive fluid

(crude oil in this case) and the metal surface. The velocity, turbulence,

impingement and nature of the metal/alloy are factors that can affect corrosion.

2.5.5 MICROBIOLOGICAL CORROSION: it is the attack of a metal by

corrosion process. This is caused directly or indirectly and is due to metabolic

microorganisms that act singly or in combination. These organisms include

bacteria, moulds and fungi.

CORROSION OF GAS PIPELINE, IT CONTROL AND MONITORING Page 19

2.5.6 UNIFORM CORROSION PREVENTION

 By selecting a suitable corrosion resistance material eg. Coating.

 By the use of inhibitors or charging the environment.

 Use of cathodic protection. (Koch, 20020.

2.6 CORROSION DETECTION AND MEASUREMENT

In determining the presence of external corrosion in gas pipelines, some factors

to be considered are:

 The degree to which corrosion has progressed and the cause of the

corrosive condition.

 Predicting location of water accumulation that may serve as a method for

targeting the local examinations. This can be done by inspection,

monitoring and sampling. (Bardel, 1978).

2.6.1 VISUAL INSPECTION:

When pipeline system is open for visual access, qualified personnel should

conduct observations and following the following should be noted:

a. Evidence of corrosion on internal pipe surface i.e. the type of damage

should be identified.

b. If corrosion damage exists, the wall thickness in the most deeply corroded

are should be identified.

c. The circumferential and longitudinal extent of corrosion on the pipe

surface or any discernible pattern attack should be noted.

CORROSION OF GAS PIPELINE, IT CONTROL AND MONITORING Page 20
 d. The position of the pipe with respect to the horizontal section of the

corroded surface. This should be done on the position of adjacent pipe

sections. (NACE, 2005)

2.7 CORROSION CONTROL METHODS

By retarding either anodic or cathodic reaction, the rate of corrosion can be

reduced. This can be achieved in several ways;

2.7.1 CONDITIONING THE METAL: this can be sub-divided into two main

groups:

I. Coating the metal, in order to interpose a corrosion resistant coating

between metals and the environment. The coating may consist of (1)

another metal, e.g. zinc or tin coatings on steel. (2) A protective coating

derived from the metal itself, e.g. aluminium oxide on “anodized”

aluminium. (3) Organic coatings, such as resins, plastics, oils and grease.

The action of protective coatings is often more complex than simply

providing a barrier between the metal and the environment. Paints may

contain a corrosion inhibitor, zinc coating or steel confers cathodic

protection.

2.8 METHODS OF PREVENTING CORROSION

Looking at the hazards of corrosion it becomes very necessary that corrosion

prevention has to be introduced and this is achieved by corrosion programmes.

This are stated as thus:

CORROSION OF GAS PIPELINE, IT CONTROL AND MONITORING Page 21

2.8.1 COATING AND LININGS: coating is the application of a substance or

material on another material. Coating may be applied to enhance appearance,

increase capacity of pipeline, prevent deposition, prevent contamination or

prevent corrosion. For coating to be effective in corrosion protection, it must

possess flexibility resistance against impact, chemical resistance to environment

to which exposed resistance permeation by moisture, good adhesion, resistance

to the temperature to which they are exposed. This coating is classified by dry

film thickness, chemical composition. Some of the coatings used in corrosion

control are asphalt enamel, epoxies and phenolics, polyesters, polyvinyl,

chlorinating rubbers etc.

2.8.2 SELECTION AND USE OF NON-METALLIC MATERIALS:

general corrosion is defined in term of weakling of a material due to attack from

substances in its environment. These non-metallic materials include plastics or

non-metallic pipe plastic. Although these plastics does not corrode in the soil or

brine electrolyte like, but may be weakened in these environment with time. It is

therefore good to have in mind, selection of materials that will withstand the

environment to be used. The operating conditions such as temperature,

structural requirement and vibration must be known.

2.8.3 USE OF CORROSION INHIBITOR: an inhibitor is a substance which

retards or slows down a chemical reaction. Thus, a corrosion inhibitor is a

substance which when added to an environment decrease the rate of attack by

the environment on a metal. These inhibitors are continuously added a small

CORROSION OF GAS PIPELINE, IT CONTROL AND MONITORING Page 22

amount to acids, cooling water, steam and other environment to prevent

corrosion.

CORROSION OF GAS PIPELINE, IT CONTROL AND MONITORING Page 23

 CHAPTER THREE

3.0 METHODOLOGY

3.1 CATHODIC PROTECTION:

This may be defined as a method to reduce corrosion of a metal surface by

passing sufficient cathodic current to it to cause its anodic dissolution rate to

become negligible.

If for example, electrons are passed into the metal and reach the

metal/electrolyte interface (a cathodic current) the anodic reaction will be stifled

while the cathodic reaction rate increases. This process is called cathodic

protection and can only be applied if there is a suitable conducting medium such

as earth or water through which a current can floes to the metal to be protected.

Corrosion always occurs at the anode where current leaves the metal and enters

the electrolyte while protective effect occurs at the cathode. The cathodic

protection may be achieved by using a DC power supply (impressed current) or

by obtaining electrons from the anodic dissolution of a metal low in the

galvanic deries such as aluminium, zinc or magnesium (sacrificial anodes).

Similar protection is obtained when steel is coated with a layer of zinc. Even at

scratches or cut edges where some hare metal is exposed the zinc is able to pass

protective current through the thin layer of surface moisture.

3.2 IMPRESSED CURRENT

An impressed current system is recommended for pipe storage, pipelines. In this

system, the current is furnished by AC power system. Impressed current

CORROSION OF GAS PIPELINE, IT CONTROL AND MONITORING Page 24

cathodic protection (ICCP) systems use anode connected to a DC power source,

this is usually a cathodic protection rectifier which converts an AC power

supply to a DC output.

3.3 HOW TO USE IMPRESSED CURRENT PROTECTION

A protective anti-corrosion coating is applied to the pipeline before it is placed

in the ground. A rectifier or power source converts alternating current Ac to

direct current (DC). The Dc is between 10-50 amperes and 50 volts. A bed of

anodes (positively charged electrodes) is attached to the rectifier. Current is

applied to the pipe, which then becomes cathodic or negatively charged.

The electric current raises the pH level of any water that has penetrated the

protective coating. Corrosion is minimized in this more alkaline environment.

3.4 ADVANTAGE OF IMPRESSED CURRENT

 It can be designed for a wide range of voltage and current.

 Large areas can be protected by single installation.

 Variable voltage output.

 Effective for poorly coated structures.

3.5 PROTECTIVE COATING

Pipelines use a coating that will stand up to soil stress and one which will not be

destroyed by contact with the environment. Both organic and metallic coatings

are used to provide protection against corrosion of metallic substrates. These

metallic substrates, particularly carbon steel, will corrode in the absence of the

CORROSION OF GAS PIPELINE, IT CONTROL AND MONITORING Page 25

coating, resulting in a reduction of the service life of the steel part or

component.

The main aim of coating is to prevent or minimized the possibility of pipeline

corrosion as a result of extreme external conditions, mechanical impact or

degradation by heat etc.

3.6 MONITORING CORROSION

3.7 VISUAL MONITORING: This involves visual inspection of the pipeline

system. Every opportunity must be taken to have a thorough visual inspection of

pipes during plant shutdown for a considerable period of time. It is the most

reliable method as it can be performed frequently say once a month or once in

every three months.

3.7.1 COUPONS AND TEST SPOOLS: Coupons are pieces of a material

placed into the corrosion environment in order to corrode so that they can be

used for analysis. They are of the same metallurgical composition of the pipe

whose corrosion is being studied. They are of different shapes and sizes; rod,

blade, stripe, disc, and button types. Test spools are a short section of pipe

usually flanged that is located for easy removal. This is to be able to determine

the weight loss.

3.7.3 ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE PROBES: these function by measuring

the increase in electrical resistance of the probe (which is usually inserted into

the environment), this increase is as a result of loss in cross sectional area from

CORROSION OF GAS PIPELINE, IT CONTROL AND MONITORING Page 26

the initial ones. The electrical resistance probe works with the same principle of

operating as a corroso-meter. It is inserted into an access fitting where a base

line reading can be made after the probe is allowed to reach equilibrium with

the environment. The common type of probe is normally made of allow similar

to the metal in the system.

This process is useful in the process control, and it measured the actual metal

loss. It can also be used in all fluid and gas stream.

3.8 CHEMICAL ANALYSES

It is necessary to check the conditions that are likely to cause corrosion.

Chemical analysis may be carried out on the fluid stream content and insoluble

corrosion products. Analysis on these samples is very important. The samples

can be taken directly from the coupons or the pipe. The composition of these

product samples help to evaluate the type of corrosion problem and may also

help in indicating changes in rate.

CORROSION OF GAS PIPELINE, IT CONTROL AND MONITORING Page 27

 CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 CONCLUSION

Corrosion which is a cancerous disease to pipelines slowly reduces the lifespan

and integrity of pipes over the years. Based on this seminar work, cathodic

protection which is the one of the most effective and economical methods of

preventing corrosion. When cathodic compatible coatings degrade or

groundwater contact the pipe the surface is still protected from corrosion

because the CP current can pass through the permeable coatings. Therefore for a

coating to be truly compatible with CP the coating should allow the CP to

proved protection to the pipe if disbandment occurs and water penetrate.

Therefore increasing cathodic protection is often considered as best solution to

prevent corrosion on gas pipeline with poor coating.

Cathodic protection should be considered wherever the system requiring

protection is exposed to an aggressive environment in such a manner that

cathodic protection is technically feasible. Cathodic protection is technically

feasible when the surfaces to be protected are buried or submerged.

4.1 RECOMMENDATION

1. Based on this topic, the Cathodic Protection must be adequate to protect the

needed current to significantly reduce or eliminate the corrosion under the

disbanded coating.

2. The Cathodic Protection must be constantly monitored.

CORROSION OF GAS PIPELINE, IT CONTROL AND MONITORING Page 28

3. Prevention method should be applied at the design stage so that corrosion can

be prevented from the onset.

4. Prompt maintenance culture once a leak is observed to save cost of

abandoning a pipe in order to purchase a new one and thereby minimizes

production loss.

CORROSION OF GAS PIPELINE, IT CONTROL AND MONITORING Page 29

 REFRENCE

D. A. Jones: Principles and Prevention of Corrosion, Prentice Hall, NJ 1996

D. Wessling, Capabilities and Limitations of Techniques for Assessing Coating

Quality and Cathodic Protection on Buried Pipelines, Cathodic Protection
Theory and Practice Conference, Sopot 2002.

G. Matocha, Pipeline Corrosion Conference, Houston 1995, Vol.2, s. 2311-

2323.

Guan B. j. “External corrosion on underground and submerged

metallic piping system. (2008):

J. Jankowski: Electrochemical Methods for Corrosion Rate Determination

Under Cathodic Polarisation Conditions. A Review, Part I. DC Methods,
Corrosion Reviews, 20, 159
(2002).

J. M. Leeds: Pipeline Corrosion Conference, Paper No. 6, Houston 1995.

Koch G. et al; Corrosion Control in Oil and Gas Pipelines, Vol2 2002.

N. G. Thompson, B. C. Syrett: Corrosion Monitoring Using Harmonic

Impedance Spectroscopy, CORROSION/93, Paper No. 429, NACE,
Houston 1993.

Osaka, B. Control and Corrosion Monitoring in NGC Pipelines. 2002.

CORROSION OF GAS PIPELINE, IT CONTROL AND MONITORING Page 30

 R.A. Gummow: Using Coupons and Probes to Determine Cathodic Protection
Levels, Materials Performance, 37 (8) 24 (1998).

R. Juchniewicz, J. Jankowski, K. Darowicki: Cathodic and Anodic Protection,

in: Corrosion and Environmental Degradation (M. Schütze, Ed.), Wiley
VCH, Weinheim 2000, Vol. I, pp. 383-470.

CORROSION OF GAS PIPELINE, IT CONTROL AND MONITORING Page 31

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