Case Histories

A Failed Bridge Recoat: What Went Wrong?

In this “Never Again” article, Jon Cavallo explores whether the role of solvents and/or thinners is simply to control viscosity. As part of this review, an investigation of observed bridge coating failures near Panama City, Florida, USA, was conducted on several fronts.

Composite Wrap Restores Corroded Pipeline at Spanish Refinery

An underground oil pipeline at a Spanish refinery was suffering from severe corrosion, and it would have incurred severe metal loss if left unchecked. Instead, a composite wrap solution allowed the customer to avoid a complete replacement.

Pipeline Corrosion Monitoring Affected by Dynamic Interference

The variation of the structure-to-electrolyte potentials and the effect of polarization cell replacement units can influence the results and conclusions on the pipeline’s polarization. To address these effects, data from a case study is analyzed to illustrate added testing procedures.

Sherwin-Williams Honors Top Water, Wastewater Projects

Paints and coatings manufacturer Sherwin-Williams recently announced top honors in its annual Impact Award program. This year, first place was awarded to a landmark infrastructure upgrade in Fargo, North Dakota, USA, which aims to boost wastewater treatment capacity.

Composites Play Key Role in Pipeline Facility Integrity

Composites can add extra protection for crevice corrosion and other corrosion at pipe supports. By installing the composite during construction, pipeline owners are able to prevent future problems associated with crevice corrosion, galvanic corrosion, and erosion.

Tank Lining Approved by European Flour Mill for Dry Food Contact

After undergoing rigorous testing to ensure suitability for dry food contact, a breakthrough was achieved with the successful application of Belzona’s 5811 immersion-grade epoxy coating. This cutting-edge tank lining was recently installed at a flour mill in Belgium.

Researchers Use Machine Learning to Detect Pitting Corrosion

In their 2024 AMPP paper, these authors proposed a technique for early-stage pitting detection through machine learning. Pitting is a localized form of corrosion that can cause cavities and structural failure in metallic materials, and it can be challenging to detect and prevent.

Never Again: An Inspection of a Water Tower

After finding a water leak from its holding tank, the owner/operator of a town water tower reached out to Total Access Solutions Co. (TASC) to request an inspection. One TASC got on site, investigators were able to deduce more information about the potential cause(s) of the premature failure.

Condition Assessment of Aging Concrete Structures: Part 1

This two-part article reviews the corrosion risk assessment, structural considerations, and engineering solutions for the steel-reinforced structural elements of an aging concrete building. This building had exhibited accelerated corrosion in corrosive environments.

Engineers Plumb the Depths to Retrofit Offshore Platforms

Safety, cost savings, and environmental protection were the leading priorities when a team at Deepwater Corrosion Services set out to retrofit three of the world’s deepest oil and gas platforms off the California coast.

Cold-Bonding Technology Restores Thailand Petroleum Pipeline

Utilizing unique cold-bonding technology, a large-scale pipeline restoration project was recently completed in Thailand. Based on a solvent-free epoxy resin reinforced with silicon steel alloy, the two-part repair composite is designed for metal repair and resurfacing projects.

Never Again: Dealing With the CUI Phenomenon

In this case study, significant corrosion was observed on lines supplying air handling units and swimming pools at a Dubai hotel. According to the client, the chilled water application system was installed three years prior and initially handled by a maintenance contractor before being handed over to the asset owner.

Corrosion Prevention in the Cruise Ship Industry

While the battle against corrosion in maritime settings is largely similar, cruise ships do pose some extra challenges. Outfittings such as swimming pools and even lifeboats need to be treated, as even the aesthetics of rust and wear will have an impact on the impression the boat’s condition makes on passengers.

NIST Updates Investigation of Champlain Towers Collapse

In a recent National Construction Safety Team (NCST) Advisory Committee meeting, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) investigators shared details of their investigation into the partial collapse of the Champlain Towers South building in Surfside, Florida, USA.

Flexible Approach Restores Texas Water Pump Station

When Corrosion Control Resources, Inc. refurbished a water pump station near Dallas, they initially expected to hand blast with coal slag before applying new coatings. However, they changed course after unexpectedly finding the pipe to be lined with coal tar enamel.