Case Histories

Life Extension of An Aging Offshore Oil Pipeline

This technical article presents the life extension approach to maintain safe operation of an aging offshore wet crude pipeline. The approach includes the evaluations of corrosion threats, pipeline integrity, and effectiveness of corrosion control practices.

New Modeling Approach for Predicting Corrosion Under Insulation

Building information modeling aims to streamline the inspection of piping insulation by identifying and flagging high-risk areas, which inspectors can use to cover more ground while increasing the likelihood of finding corrosion.

Concrete Treatment Stops Microbially-Induced Corrosion in Wastewater

The Penetron Group has developed an antimicrobial concrete admixture to provide permanent protection for the lift station’s wet well structures from microbially-induced corrosion (MIC).

U.S. Navy Patents Fiberoptic System to Detect Corrosion

The U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center patented its process for applying a “smart” fiberoptic system between a metal surface and its protective coating, which they believe can detect the beginnings of corrosion at the microscopic level.

Australian University Leads Project to Self-Heal Concrete Using Sludge

Self-healing concrete, in the form of microcapsules filled with water treatment sludge, could offer a solution to halt what researchers say are unprecedented corrosion levels in Australia’s aging concrete pipelines.

U.S. Officials Back Denver Water’s Lead Reduction Plan

Denver Water is receiving $76 million in funding from the U.S. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to accelerate its lead-service line replacement plan, which was recently approved and found to be effective by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Estimating Corrosion of Embedded Steel Rebars in Bridge Structures

Based on empirical and theoretical research validated by field data, Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) researchers developed a guidance tool to predict rebar reinforcement section loss. This should help MnDOT manage its bridge inventory and inform bridge maintenance and replacement decisions.

Thermal Insulation Solution Protects Oil Dispersant Vessel

New polymer technology from Belzona is allowing a client to protect its vessel against extreme operational conditions, all while also meeting weight and thickness specifications. The solution proved more effective than traditional cladding.

Final Report Issued on 2019 Refinery Fire, Explosion in Philadelphia

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board released its findings regarding a massive fire and explosions at the Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery in 2019. The incident occurred when a corroded pipe elbow ruptured, releasing process fluid into the hydrofluoric acid alkylation unit.

Hydrochloric Acid Corrosion of a Venturi Gas Scrubber

A common source of gaseous compounds in the refining industry is the overhead exhaust/vent of the regeneration tower within a continuous catalytic reforming unit.

Transducers Use Ultrasonic Guided Waves to Detect Pipe Anomalies

The San Antonio-based Southwest Research Institute is creating its next generation of transducers using ultrasonic guided wave technology to help detect anomalies in pipes. In turn, this is designed to allow users to prevent leaks before they start.

Comparing Corrosion Among Three Coastal Florida Sites

Knowing the corrosion severity of a particular environment is important when designing and maintaining infrastructure—and even more so in coastal environments. Certain factors can cause corrosion rates to vary significantly. This study aims to provide answers.

U.K. Rail Regulator Publishes Trains Safety Report

The Office of Rail and Road, the economic and safety regulator of Britain’s railway, made a series of recommendations based on a review of how the rail industry responded to a range of potential safety issues, including cracking.

Study: How Rising Sea Levels Affect Foundations

A new study by Colorado State University civil engineers examines hidden costs to building foundations due to rising sea levels. They propose a method for inspection and repair to lower costs associated with deterioration from saltwater corrosion.

Current Mapping Assists in Evaluating Pipelines: How Pipeline Mapping Works

Pipeline current mapping methodology, which has been extensively utilized and designed through a collaboration among several gas companies, involves evaluating the coating of a pipeline from above ground. This is accomplished via the use of electromagnetic techniques.