Internal Corrosion
As of the end of 1997, there were approximately 266000 km of energy-related
pipelines under the jurisdiction of the Alberta
Energy Utility Board. The inventory of pipelines in this province
continues to grow, averaging an annual increase of about 4% during the 1990s.
These pipelines carry many substances including sour natural gas; highly
volatile products (i.e., propane, ethane, butane, and combinations); crude oil
(sweet and sour); oil effluent, multiphase (sweet and sour); light volatile
products (liquid fuels); natural gas; fuel gas; salt water; miscellaneous
liquids; miscellaneous gases; and fresh water. During the 1980-1997 period, a
total of 12 137 operating pipeline failures were recorded, averaging 674
failures per year. Internal corrosion caused the majority (about 50%) of these
failures.
The addition of corrosion inhibitors is by far
the most effective method of controlling internal corrosion. Coatings and
liners are increasingly used to control internal corrosion.
The objective of the PICon/Internal Corrosion section is to disseminate
information on pipeline internal corrosion. Please let PICon know your ideas, suggestions
and thoughts on issues related to pipeline internal corrosion.
PICon organizes an online journal. The schedule and papers published by the Journal are available at
PICon Journal.
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