Research Aims to Set New Integrity Management Standards

Research underway at the University of Aberdeen using an intrinsically safe tool developed by CorDEX Instruments (UK) is set to provide a new model for corrosion assessment to enhance oil and gas safety.

The aim of the research is to shed light on how corrosion develops spatially on steel pipelines and vessels to improve replacement decisions and integrity management. This type of corrosion research is breaking new ground and will give deeper insights into the deterioration of oil and gas systems.

Many existing failure models allow for the inclusion of one active corrosion defect in the assessment. While these calculations can incorporate variability in the engineering problem, they do not take into account the effect of multiple areas of corrosion.

Dr Neill Renton, head of chemical engineering within the School of Engineering says that the research provides new understanding of how the spatial variability of corrosion can impact these systems.

He said: “The deterioration of assets through corrosion damage is a critical problem for the industry. The determination of remaining pipeline or equipment life and the ability to plan suitable maintenance and inspection programmes has a key part to play. Spatial correlation between areas of corrosion is not typically addressed in standard assessments. The methodology we are developing will extend existing models and provide new ones which can help engineers make timely decisions on replacement and shutdown.

“Using CorDEX Instruments’ new UT5000 Intrinsically Safe Thickness Gauge has been highly beneficial as it has allowed us to gain exact readings to verify our research. The CorDEX CONNECT system provided accurate corrosion analysis and the MultiECHO™ technology improved measurement on uneven surfaces. It was crucial for us to have the most precise readings possible to provide a robust foundation for us to base our findings on.

“This technology has much wider implications for the industry as the ageing asset wave breaks. The intrinsically safe device allows for testing during normal operations without the need for any hot-working. This could allow testing on a much more regular basis than has been possible before, giving us a greater ability to track corrosion over time. If a number of oil and gas companies use the technology then there would be a dramatic improvement in our understanding of deterioration with associated safety benefits.”

The industry is increasing importance on monitoring and maintenance of ageing assets. The HSE last year launched the KP4 initiative which provides guidelines for the inspection and maintenance of ageing installations.

Tony Holliday, CEO of CorDEX Instruments said: “Safety and corrosion are high up on the oil and gas agenda and we are excited to be involved in research with the University of Aberdeen which will play a part in enhancing industry procedures. Our equipment fits with what the sector seeks to do in relation to ageing assets. Without the need to wait for shutdown to conduct testing, it provides the opportunity for more comprehensive and regular inspections to be carried out.”