Underground Pipeline Corrosion

Underground pipelines transporting liquid petroleum products and natural gas are critical components of civil infrastructure, making corrosion prevention an essential part of asset-protection strategy. Underground Pipeline Corrosion provides a basic understanding of the problems associated with corrosion detection and mitigation, and of the state of the art in corrosion prevention. The topics covered in part one include: basic principles for corrosion in underground pipelines, AC-induced corrosion of underground pipelines, significance of corrosion in onshore oil and gas pipelines, numerical simulations for cathodic protection of pipelines, and use of corrosion inhibitors in managing corrosion in underground pipelines. The methods described in part two for detecting corrosion in underground pipelines include: magnetic flux leakage, close interval potential surveys (CIS/CIPS), Pearson surveys, in-line inspection, and use of both electrochemical and optical probes. While the emphasis is on pipelines transporting fossil fuels, the concepts apply as well to metallic pipes for delivery of water and other liquids. Underground Pipeline Corrosion is a comprehensive resource for corrosion, materials, chemical, petroleum, and civil engineers constructing or managing both onshore and offshore pipeline assets; professionals in steel and coating companies; and academic researchers and professors with an interest in corrosion and pipeline engineering.

Table of Contents:
Contributor contact details Woodhead Publishing Series in Metals and Surface Engineering Introduction References Versatile Part I: Understanding and managing corrosion processes 1. Understanding corrosion in underground pipelines: basic principles Abstract: 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Electrochemical corrosion: conventional current theory 1.3 Electrochemical corrosion: advanced theories 1.4 Other factors in corrosion 1.5 Reference cells 1.6 Corrosion processes affecting pipelines 1.7 Environmental cracking 1.8 Microbiologically influenced corrosion 1.9 Corrosion protection methods: coatings 1.10 Corrosion protection methods: cathodic protection (CP) 1.11 Conclusion 1.12 Sources of further information and advice 13 References 2. AC-induced corrosion of underground pipelines Abstract: 2.1 Introduction 2.2 The origin of alternating voltage induced in pipelines 2.3 Electrical parameters affecting the AC-corrosion process 2.4 Harmonic analysis of AC corrosion 2.5 Cathodic protection of pipelines 2.6 Analysis of AC-corrosion products 2.7 Testing AC-corrosion processes 2.8 Conclusion 2.9 References 3. Assessing the significance of corrosion in onshore oil and gas pipelines Abstract: 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Corrosion in onshore pipelines 3.3 Detecting corrosion 3.4 Preventing corrosion 3.5 Assessment of corrosion 3.6 Particular corrosion assessment methods 3.7 Particular issues in corrosion assessment 3.8 Conclusion 3.9 References 4. Numerical simulations for cathodic protection of pipelines Abstract: 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Historical perspective 4.3 Model development 4.4 Model validation 4.5 Applications 4.6 Conclusion 4.7 References 5. Corrosion processes and the use of corrosion inhibitors in managing corrosion in underground pipelines Abstract: 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Sources of corrosion in oil and gas production 5.3 Techniques used in monitoring corrosion inhibitors in oil and gas pipelines 5.4 Measuring pitting corrosion rates 5.5 The use of coupons to measure corrosion rates 5.6 Comparing different monitoring techniques 5.7 Conclusion 5.8 References 6. Types of corrosion inhibitor for managing corrosion in underground pipelines Abstract: 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Types of inhibitors 6.3 The effectiveness of corrosion inhibitors in particular corrosion environments 6.4 Criteria used in the selection of inhibitors in sour media 6.5 Mechanisms of corrosion inhibition 6.6 Types of inhibitors 6.7 Summary of corrosion inhibitors used in oil pipeline media 6.8 References Part II: Methods for detecting corrosion 7. Electromagnetic methods for detecting corrosion in underground pipelines: magnetic flux leakage (MFL) Abstract: 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Background and definitions 7.3 Typical inspection system capabilities 7.4 Magnetic flux leakage (MFL) pigs 7.5 Summary of MFL strengths and weaknesses 7.6 Conclusion and future trends 7.7 Sources of further information and advice 7.8 References 8. The close interval potential survey (CIS/CIPS) method for detecting corrosion in underground pipelines Abstract: 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Equipment 8.3 Data collection 8.4 Conducting a CIS 8.5 CIS data validation 8.6 Assessing results 8.7 Summary of CIS benefits and disadvantages 8.8 Future trends 8.9 References 9. The Pearson survey method for detecting corrosion in underground pipelines Abstract: 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Key principles of the Pearson survey technique 9.3 Advantages and disadvantages over other survey techniques 9.4 Basic equipment used for the Pearson survey 9.5 Modern developments of the technique 9.6 Conclusion 9.7 References 10. In-line inspection (ILI) methods for detecting corrosion in underground pipelines Abstract: 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Pipeline flaws 10.3 Inspection technologies and principles 10.4 Preparing for in-line inspection 10.5 Carrying out an ILI survey 10.6 Analysis and interpretation of ILI data 10.7 Future trends 10.8 References 11. The use of probes for detecting corrosion in underground pipelines Abstract: 11.1 Introduction 11.2 Electrochemical methods 11.3 Potential measurements 11.4 Linear polarization resistance 11.5 Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy 11.6 Galvanic sensors 11.7 Non-electrochemical methods: coupons 11.8 Optical-based methods 11.9 Electrical resistance probes 11.10 Challenges and limitations in using probes 11.11 Conclusion 11.12 References Index

About the Author :
Mark Orazem is a Professor of the Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, USA. He has developed, in collaboration with the oil and gas industry, simulation tools for cathodic protection of pipeline networks. Professor Orazem is a Fellow of the Electrochemical Society and a former President of the International Society of Electrochemistry.