Pipelines play a crucial role in transporting liquid and gasses across vast distances, contributing to the functioning of numerous industries. The significance of pipelines lies not only in their efficiency but also in their longevity and reliability.
However, one of the alarming challenges faced by these pipelines is corrosion, which can significantly compromise their structural integrity.
Read further to learn more about the danger of pipeline corrosion and the effective strategies that you can to prevent them.
WHAT IS PIPELINE CORROSION
Pipeline corrosion is a persistent enemy that threaten the integrity and functionality of pipelines. Corrosion is a natural occurring when metals are exposed to the environment they are in.
Corrosion occurs when the pipes metals reacts with the substances that it gets in touch or have close contact with, it can be soil, gas or water.
Pipeline corrosion can make the metals weak, eventually causing the metal to become thin and eventually beak, which can lead to spills, leaks and other dangerous situations.
TYPES OF PIPELINE CORROSION
- Uniform corrosion: This happens when there is a slow and even attack on the surface of the material. This type of corrosion is very common and affects large parts of the materials surface.
- Pitting corrosion: This occurs when a small part where the protective layer on the metal gets damaged. Slowly, a small hole forms, and it can spread without noticing.
- Fretting corrosion: Repeated weight, vibration or wear creates this type of corrosion.
- High Temperature corrosion: Sometimes things can get heated and that heat can cause corrosion too. Different fuels, oxidation and other chemical reactions can make metals corrode especially at high temperature.
These are some of the prevalent types of pipeline corrosions. There are others as well such as copper pipe corrosion, soil corrosion, Galvanic Corrosion, the cooling tower and exchanger corrosion to name a few.
PREVENTING PIPELINE CORROSIONS:
- Pick the right material: Choosing the right kind of material for the pipes is very important. Different materials resist corrosion differently. So, if the pipes are going to carry things that can easily harm them, like chemicals, its best to use materials that handle them like copper, steel or plastic.
- Cathodic Reaction: This is like having a superhero sidekick for your pipes. By attaching a special metal, called sacrificial anode to the pipes, it takes on the corrosion instead. This technique is often used for underground pipes.
- Coatings for extra protection: Coatings are like a shield for your pipes. Coatings are like an extra layer of protection on the pipes to prevent pipe corrosion. These coatings can be applied during the making of the pipes of after they are installed. There are different types of coating like epoxy, polyurethane, and PVC, and many more depending on where the pipes are going to be installed.
- Corrosion inhibitors: Corrosion inhibitors are chemicals added to the liquid flowing through the pipes. They create a protective layer on the pipes surface thereby stopping the corrosive element from reaching the pipe.
- Proper Installation: Proper installation of pipes can help prevent corrosion. If they are not installed properly, this can cause stress on the pipes, leading to cracks and leaks. This can lead the pipe to be exposed to corrosive environment leading to pipeline corrosion. Therefore, it’s important that the pipes should be installed with the right supports and anchors so that there is no excessive movement.
- PH Control: The Ph of the substance flowing through the pipe can also affect the corrosion degree. If it’s too acidic or too alkaline, corrosion happens faster. Therefore, adjusting the pH by adding certain chemicals can help keep things in balance.
- Proper and regular maintenance: Regular inspection and maintenance of the pipes can be a Pipeline Corrosion Prevention. Checking for early signs of corrosion, such as discolouration or the pitting on the surface of the pipe. Cleaning pipes, fixing leaks and swapping out old or rusty pipes for new ones are part of the regular maintenance that keeps pipes healthy, even if it is for Underground Pipeline.
Conclusion
The repercussions of pipeline corrosion are profound and multifaceted. Loss of products, costly repairs, environmental impact and safety concerns are just a few dire consequences.
The integrity of the pipeline is compromised, resulting in metal loss and perforations in the structure. Preventing corrosion is safely protecting the pipes with various techniques, so that they work like an Armor for the pipes.
It keeps them working smoothly, saves repair cost and help protect the environment. To protect pipelines from these troubles especially at cased pipeline crossings, smart solutions like external coating for ss piping and ss equipment are used.
Underground pipeline protection is also crucial because it’s not just what we see on the surface that need protection.
