Pipelines are the arteries of the modern world. There are many thousands of kilometers of pipelines criss-crossing the country, carrying the water and fuel required to sustain our economy and our diverse population.
Many of these pipeline are constructed from steel and whilst steel currently remains the construction material of choice for larger diameter pipelines where structural integrity and constructability are important, a significant challenge is that steel remains afflicted by corrosion. Corrosion is a wide ranging and complex subject that affects our lives almost daily, and pipeline corrosion is a very significant contributor.
Corrosion of steel can be attributed to one or more of several factors:
Soil Conditions
The natural corrosivity of soils may impact corrosion rates. In general, more acidic soils have higher corrosion rates. This may be exacerbated by microbial action from bacteria which are ubiquitous in the environment.
Interference
Interference currents may result from other pipelines or structures under cathodic protection or they may result from stray currents emanating from the DC traction network which is extensive through much of South Africa and the effects of which are spreading as the pipeline networks expand.
AC Interference
This is an increasing problem as the use of common servitudes increases and the network of high voltage AC powerlines expands.
War Against Corrosion
Isinyithi remain at the forefront of the war against corrosion and have extensive experience in all aspects of corrosion protection of pipelines (see Key Technologies).
For pipeline corrosion protection design to commence, information such as pipeline size, material of construction, proposed pipe route, coating system(s), lifetime and any other useful information will all ensure that ICP is able to provide a customised solution which will provide optimal corrosion protection of the asset.