Corrosion

A journal of the Institute of Corrosion

Issue 170 November/December 2022 Management

Fabric
Maintenance
of Oil & Gas
Facilities

Local Branch News: Industry News:

Aberdeen Science Council
Branch Climate Conference
Page 9 Page 17
Corrosion Management

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2 November/December 2022 www.icorr.org

Contents
Issue 170 November/December 2022

4 20 33
The President Writes Ask the Expert Technical Article
Knowledge Transfer, and
4 21 how it can help young
Institute News Fellow’s Corner engineers

9 28 34
Local Branch News Sustaining Members
Technical Article
Fabric Maintenance of
16 the United Kingdom’s 36
Industry News Oil & Gas (mature) Diary Dates
Infrastructure
18
Latest Literature

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Consulting Editor address below:
Brian Goldie The Institute of Corrosion
Email: brianpce@aol.com President This publication is Recyclable.
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Northampton, NN1 1SX
Institute News
The President Writes
Thank you. It feels appropriate
that I start my final article as
president with a thank you to all
of you as ICorr members. In my
two years as president, I have
seen what all past presidents
say – that the strength of ICorr
is its people. Leaders can help
shape direction but it is our
members that make things
happen, and so many of you
give your time and resources
that prove that. In todays very
busy world where so many
things compete for our time, I
have not ceased to be amazed
Institute of Corrosion President,
by the generosity of so many
Bill Hedges.
of you.
As I said in my first president writes article two years ago, it is an
honour to be the ICorr president, and my time in the role has
made me more conscious of that. Our Institute is a phenomenal
organisation where we work hard to fulfil our mission to “Advance
Science and Engineering in the Prevention of Corrosion”.
Over the last few years ,we have had our challenges – most notably
the Covid pandemic and the global economic downturn. Despite
these we have continued to perform well and found new ways of
working to mitigate them. I would point to the use of digital tools
such as virtual meetings and social media that have helped us.
From the Editor
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4 November/December 2022 www.icorr.org
At our recent Annual General Meeting, which was held virtually, we
had very positive reports. Our membership is growing, our training
courses are in high demand and our finances are in a very strong
place. If you were not able to attend the meeting, I’d recommend
looking at the annual report or presentation that can be found in the
members area of the ICorr website. It is very encouraging.
Thus, I feel I’m handing over the Institute in good shape and, more
importantly, into the excellent hands of Stephen Tate, who was
unanimously voted in as our new president at the AGM. Stephen will
bring fresh ideas and initiatives to us and I know you will all support
him as you have me. Congratulations Stephen, I know you will enjoy
the role as much as I have.
Before I close, I’d like to express my gratitude to my fellow trustees
and council members who work really hard and have given me so
much support, guidance and wise council. My presidency has been
much the better for that – thank you.
As ever, your ideas and feedback are important to us so please
continue to let Stephen know what you like and where you think
we can improve, using the president@icorr.org email. More
importantly, if you’re not actively engaged and would like to be
please let us know – we have lots of opportunities!
Kindest Regards,
Bill Hedges
Institute of Corrosion: Immediate Past President
Welcome to the last issue of 2022, which is a bumper issue with
several articles covering the topical subject of transportation of
hydrogen and CO2 as a means of achieving net zero emissions.
This includes a report on the Aberdeen presentation from
Rosen, the Fellow’s Corner article from Frank Chen, and the
ask the expert answer from Gareth Hinds. Due to the depth of
information in the Fellow’s Corner articles, there are only two
technical articles in this issue. These cover fabric maintenance in
the oil and gas sector, and one aimed at our Young Engineers on
Knowledge Transfer.
I hope you enjoy this issue, and remember to let me know if there
are any topics you would like to see covered in future issues. I can
be contacted at, brianpce@aol.com.
Finally, I would like to offer readers my good wishes for the festive
season, and to wish you all a Happy New Year.
Brian Goldie, Consulting Editor
Email: brianpce@aol.com
 Institute News

How the Institute of Corrosion

operates– the Professional
Development and Training Committee
The Professional Development and
Training Committee (PDTC) was
established by Council in 2006 with
responsibility for technical, development
and management matters, relating to all
ICorr Training and Certification schemes,
Continuing Professional Development
(CPD) schemes, and courses. PDTC
reports directly to the ICorr Council.
Additionally, the committee addresses
the key aims of ICorr, including expansion
of the membership, and promotion of
the science, engineering, and technical
aspects of corrosion control to the
wider public.
PDTC liaises with the Membership
Development Committee, Young ICorr,
CED, CSD, PAC, and any other relevant
committees in initiating and developing
new training schemes and courses.
There are presently two sub-committees,
the Surface Treatment Governing Board
and the Cathodic Protection Governing
Board, who report directly to the PDTC
Chair, as do the two scheme managers
for Surface treatment and Cathodic
protection related course work and
examination material delivered by, or
on behalf of, ICorr. A further Engineering
Training Governing Board is being
considered.
Roles and Responsibilities
of PDTC related topics such as Microbiologically
Influenced Corrosion (M.I.C).
The PDTC manages the delivery of the
ICorr Training Schemes, and Professional
To be eligible to be a member of, and
Development schemes of the Institute
where appropriate, in conjunction with indeed vote on PDTC, the individual
members of PDTC must be Professional
course providers.
Members of ICorr with a good
PDTC also reviews the technical content understanding of ICorr processes and
of training courses submitted by the be able to contribute to the Institute’s
two sub-committees for approval, this ethics in terms of corrosion control and
is a robust mechanism to ensure the mitigation.
content is not only suitable for the market
demand commercially, but technically The present members of the PDTC are
suitable to enhance the portfolio of ICorr the vice president, past presidents of
offerings and continue to improve course
ICorr, surface treatment and CP scheme
availability to the market place.
managers, and sub-committee chairs,
consultants, and technical experts.
Who sits on PDTC?
PDTC consists of a Chair (currently David ICorr encourages all its members to get
Horrocks), and this position is appointed involved with the Institute and would
by Council. At present there are 10 welcome anyone wishing to participate in
members offering technical support any of the working groups/committees to
from a wide range of disciplines within contact, president@icorr.org
their expert fields such as Cathodic
Protection (CP), Coatings, Inspection,
ISO Standards, and other corrosion

ICATS/CORREX
New Training Centre
Magic Training LTD: A Premier Construction Training Centre in
Wembley have become an ICATS approved training centre. Magic
Training Ltd. was born out of the need to prepare construction
professionals for the modern world of construction engineering
possibilities, and has to be part of the next generation of trainers to
deliver competent, accredited, and innovative workforce.
Even though they are a young company, their assessors and trainers
are chartered members of CIOB and IOSH, with over 12 years’
experience in construction management and health and safety.
All their courses are accredited by the relevant authorities,
including CIOB, IOSH, EAL, CITB, ProQual, and now CORREX.
Because of their approach, they are becoming an industry
benchmark for construction training.
Their current programmes include national vocational qualifications
from levels 2 to 7, and electrical and painting courses including,
Industrial Coating Applicator (ICA). They also have a variety of short
courses on site management safety, site supervision safety, and
IOSH working safety.
Apprentice update
Two of the ICorr time served apprentices, who also achieved
distinction marks, Pat Maj and Rory Voulgaris, are now working in
the Falklands, over 8,000 miles away. They are working on a project
there for employers, Jack Tighes, talk about taking your skills to a
different part of the world!

www.icorr.org November/December 2022 5

Institute News

ICorr awards – call for nominations

Each year the Institute of Corrosion bestows a range of internationally renowned awards in recognition of
excellence in corrosion science and engineering, and to reward outstanding service to the Institute and
the wider corrosion community. Many of these awards are open to nomination by both members and
non-members of the Institute. Below is a brief description of each award together with details of how to
nominate potential candidates.

U.R. Evans Award Galloway Award

The U.R. Evans Award is the premier scientific award of the Institute The Galloway Award is
of Corrosion and is presented annually for outstanding international presented to a student author
achievements in pure or applied corrosion science. The recipient is for the best publication
selected by a Corrosion Science Division panel and presented with an describing original research
engraved sword at the annual Corrosion Science Symposium (CSS). The in corrosion science and
symposium is one which seeks to encourage the participation of the junior engineering as judged by
members of the corrosion community who would appreciate the visit of, a sub-committee of the
and address by, a corrosion scientist of international repute. The form of Corrosion Science Division.
the award symbolises the fight in which we are all engaged. The recipient The student should be the
is also granted Honorary Life Fellowship of the Institute. Nominations primary author of the work
may be submitted at any time via email to the CSD Chair, Julian Wharton and preferably first author. A
(j.a.wharton@soton.ac.uk). summary of the winning paper
is published in Corrosion
Paul McIntyre Award Management and the prize
consists of a certificate and
The Paul McIntyre Award is presented to a senior corrosion engineer, a cash sum of £300. The
who, as well as being a leading practitioner in his field, has advanced Institute does not retain
European collaboration and international standards development. The copyright of the material, so this does not prevent separate publication
award consists of an engraved trophy, which is presented at the annual of the work in a scientific journal. Submissions (in the form of a paper
CED Working Day meeting. The recipient is requested to present a published within the past 12 months or a draft publication) may be sent
brief overview of their activities and encouraged to prepare an article for via email at any time to the CSD Chair, Julian Wharton (j.a.wharton@soton.
publication in Corrosion Management. Nominations should be ac.uk). Supervisors may nominate students.
submitted to the CED Chair, Danny Burkle (D.Burkle@lbbcbaskerville.
co.uk) by 28th February 2023.
Lionel Shreir Award
T.P. Hoar Award The Lionel Shreir Award is given to the best student presenter at the annual
Corrosion Science Symposium. Selection of the recipient is carried out by
The T.P. Hoar Award is presented to the authors of the best paper a sub-committee of the Corrosion Science Division. The award consists of
published in the scientific journal Corrosion Science during the previous a certificate and a cash prize of £125.
calendar year. The winning paper is selected by a sub-committee of the
Corrosion Science Division and the authors receive a certificate and a cash For further details on the Institute awards, including lists of past recipients,
sum of £400. please visit https://www.icorr.org/icorr-awards/

Q www.icorr.org
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 Institute News

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ICATS
website
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www.icorr.org November/December 2022 7

Institute News
ICorr Microbiologically Influenced
Corrosion (MIC) Training Course
The Institute of Corrosion is pleased to
announce the new MIC training courses in
2023. Both the Awareness and Certified
MIC Technologist proficiency levels will
be offered, at ICorr headquarters, twice
next year as follows:
April 2023
• Awareness (one day course) on the 12th
• Certified MIC Technologist (5-day
course) from the 17th to the 21st
Corrosion Science Division (CSD)
The 63rd Corrosion Science Symposium
(CSS) again joined the Electrochem
meeting, which was hosted by the
University of Edinburgh between the 4th
and 6th September. Electrochem is an
annual meeting organised jointly by the
RSC Electrochemistry Group and the SCI
Electrochemical Technology Group. There
were 21 oral talks and the UR Evans award
plenary talk, plus a dozen posters over the
two days.
The U.R. Evans award for 2022 was
presented to Prof Alison Davenport
(University of Birmingham, UK) by
Stephen Tate (ICorr Vice President) at
the 63rd CSS. In her plenary talk entitled
‘Passivation vs. Active Dissolution’, Alison
explored how the shape and stability of
localised corrosion sites are determined
by the delicate balance between passive
film growth and metal dissolution. The
plenary focused on the nature of passive
films and localised corrosion sites, and
how they can be successfully explored in
situ using a variety of synchrotron-based
characterisation methods.
The Lionel Shreir Award is given to the
best student presenter at the annual
Corrosion Science Symposium, and this
year was presented to Alyshia Keogh
(University of Manchester). Alyshia gave
a fascinating and insightful talk entitled
‘effect of microstructure on localised
corrosion and atmospheric stress corrosion
cracking of 15-5 precipitation hardened
stainless steels, linked to understanding
of pitting and atmospheric chloride-
induced degradation associated with
8 November/December 2022 www.icorr.org
October 2023
• Awareness (one day course) on the 4th
• Certified MIC Technologist (5-day
course) from the 23rd to the 27th.
An MIC Technologist attendance
certificate is available for attending
the 4-day course without taking the
certification exam.
Please contact admin@icorr.org for
registration.
microstructural features effected by the
ageing temperature (see summary of
Alyshia’s presentation below). Alyshia
commented that she enjoyed the
interaction between academics, industry
specialists and students at the CSS, and
thought the symposium was especially
stimulating with an excellent range of
presentations and posters from many
Universities, and she hoped to attend
next year!
Effect of Microstructure on Localised
Corrosion and Atmospheric Stress
Corrosion Cracking of 15-5 PH
Stainless Steels
Alyshia Keogh, Anthony Cook, Emily Aradi,
Alex Wilson, Fabio Scenini, Phil Prangnell,
University of Manchester, and Zacharie
Obadia, Airbus, Toulouse, France.
This work aimed to enhance mechanistic
understanding of pitting and atmospheric
Cl-Induced Stress Corrosion Cracking
(AISCC) in 15-5 Precipitation Hardened
(PH) Stainless Steels (SS) by establishing
links between microstructural features
affected by varying ageing temperature
(here, 450 C, 540 C and 650 C) and
susceptibility to such phenomena. This
microstructural evolution, as a function
of ageing temperature, was investigated
via scanning TEM energy dispersive
X-ray spectroscopy (STEM EDS), and
differences in environmental behaviours
assessed using both electrochemical and
environmental testing under controlled
conditions of temperature and Relative
Humidity (RH). Statistical scatter in pitting
There are several car parks nearby and
hotels within walking distance of the
ICorr office, including Ibis and Park Inn.
It is recommended to make provisional
booking as early as possible to secure a
competitive rate. Also, ICorr HQ is
only a short walk from Northampton
train station.
potential determined via potentiodynamic
polarisation was too high to determine
any trend in localised corrosion resistance
with confidence. However, useful
information was obtained via Double
Loop Electrochemical Potentiokinetic
Reactivation (DL-EPR) and Electrochemical
Noise (EN) measurements. DL-EPR revealed
a linear trend between the degree of
sensitisation and ageing temperature which
correlated with an increase in number
density of Cr carbides. EN measured
by galvanically coupling dissimilar
microstructures suggests that the highest
temperature ageing treatment (650 C)
was most susceptible to metastable pitting
events and, hence, has a higher probability
of transitioning to stable pitting.
AISCC tests (four-point bend specimens
with Cl-salt deposits exposed to controlled
temperature and RH) revealed that over-
aged specimens (ageing temperature
650 C) were most resistant to cracking,
whilst EN indicated they had greatest
susceptibility to pitting. The opposite was
found for under-aged specimens (ageing
temperature 450 C). The mode of AISCC
transitioned from an intergranular (IG)
pathway in under-aged specimens (450
C) to mixed IG and transgranular (TG)
for those peak-aged (540 C), no cracks
were observed under the same testing
conditions in over-aged specimens.
Overall, these results are consistent with
the theory that AISCC, like conventional
SCC, only occurs under conditions of slow
and stable localised corrosion.

Local Branch News
Aberdeen Branch
Over the last quarter, the branch has held three technical meetings.
On Thursday 22nd September, there was the annual joint meeting
with TWI, and Neil Gallon, Principal Engineer of Rosen, gave a talk on
‘Repurposing of Pipelines in the Energy Transition’.
There are many integrity challenges and differences between
hydrogen, CO2 and hydrocarbon pipelines, and a pragmatic phased
approach is required to enable safe and economic conversion of
existing infrastructure.
Hydrogen is the lightest and most abundant element, and has the
highest energy content of any common fuel by weight. It is found
in water or hydrocarbons and can be produced without carbon
footprint through electrolysis, steam methane reforming (SMR) and
Carbon Capture (CC). It can be transported over long distances,
stored like traditional fuels, but produces clean power and heat
so it has advantages over fossil fuels in the drive towards net zero
emissions.
The European hydrogen backbone will continue to grow with more
connections across member states to about 26,000km by 2035 with
a plan to double again by 2040, this will be approximately 69% of
retrofitted infrastructure and 31% of new hydrogen pipelines. This
emphasis on the re-use of existing infrastructure, while obviously
attractive, places heavy demands on inspection and integrity
engineering in order to ensure that assets remain fit for purpose.
In the transportation of hydrogen and “rich” CO2 by pipelines, there
are key integrity challenges to be addressed for long-term safe
operations. However, the major points of interest are the same as any
pipeline integrity management system:
• Pipeline condition – What are the time-dependent threats? Which
type of defects should I tackle? Where are they located? How
severe are they?
Planned expansion of hydrogen pipeline network in Europe.
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• Integrity Remaining Life – How safe is my pipeline operations? How
long can l operate it?
• Consequences – What are the consequences of loss of
containment?
• Management – Can I safely manage pipeline operations going
forwards?
Nonetheless, there are differences between the different modes
of transportation which derive from the specific physicochemical
behaviour of the fluid, and its interaction with the pipeline
materials. For instance, internal corrosion is not a major concern
for hydrogen service, while it is a key consideration for CO2 (and
hydrocarbon) infrastructures. On the other end of the spectrum, ‘crack
management’, broadly speaking, is a more critical topic for hydrogen
pipelines than for other services.
While CO2 and hydrogen pipelines could be purpose-built to address
the range of applicable integrity concerns, it is very likely that a major
proportion of the future transmission network will revolve around
the integration of existing Natural Gas (NG) or other hydrocarbon
infrastructures. Hydrogen and CO2 pipeline design codes tend to
be more constraining or restrictive than that for hydrocarbons. For
example, typical hydrogen standards will limit the use of steels up to
API 5L X52 (L360) to tackle hydrogen embrittlement issues, while over
45% of the European NG system is designed with higher steel grades.
The fundamental feature, which drives much of the integrity concerns
and challenges in gaseous hydrogen pipelines, is the absorption of
atomic hydrogen within the steel microstructure. The interactions of
hydrogen lead to major degradation of mechanical properties, such
as strength, ductility, fracture toughness and fatigue crack growth rate,
and have been studied by various researchers of material types used
in repurposed pipelines such as, API Series 5L X42, X52, X65, X80
and X100.The data are not yet fully comprehensive but all show that
all properties are reduced by increasing levels of hydrogen.
continues on page 10
www.icorr.org
www.icorr.org November/December 2022 9
Institute News
Influence of hydrogen on ‘Fitness for Service’ assessment.
A key reason for this is that the magnitude of interaction of
hydrogen and steel is determined by the specific nature of the steel
microstructures and chemistries not just the grade. This important
facet puts a greater emphasis on the understanding of materials
‘DNA’ and on testing. These aspects are at the core of conversion
and integrity management strategies. Crack detection technologies
such as Electro-Magnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) and materials
properties in-line inspection (ILI), such as ROSEN’s RoMat PGS
and DMG services, are likely to be integral to the inspection and
conversion of hydrogen pipelines.
In many respects, the management of time-dependent threats in
CO2 pipelines is an extension of the knowledge and the experience
gained through the traditional oil and gas industry. The main key
difference is that in “traditional” gas production, CO2 is mainly an
unwanted by-product or impurity, while for CCUS, CO2 will be the
primary fluid being transported, and hence will likely be at a higher
partial pressure (i.e. presents a greater corrosion risk) and may have
its own inherent impurities. Nonetheless, internal time-dependent
threats will remain negligible, so as long as no free (separated) liquid
water is present in the pipeline. This means that inspection of a CO2
line with ultrasonic technologies, which generally rely on a water
couple, can be challenging and other methods must be considered.
Influence of hydrogen on ‘Fitness for Service’ assessment.
10 November/December 2022 www.icorr.org
Neil summarised by saying, the conversion of existing infrastructure
to hydrogen or CO2 service brings unique integrity management
challenges. It is unreasonable to expect that facilities designed
specifically for hydrocarbon service can be directly converted to
hydrogen or CO2 service without due diligence being applied.
Management strategies will revolve around understanding material
“DNA” and testing, and the deployment of in-line inspections to
address pipeline and pipework fitness-for-service.
For hydrogen lines some of the major time dependent integrity
threats are associated with potential hydrogen embrittlement of the
pipeline steel, and the consequent threat of cracking. ILI of hydrogen
pipelines can also be challenging due to the different physical and
flow characteristics of hydrogen compared to natural gas, despite
this it can be achieved.
For CO2 lines, ILI is necessary to understand the materials and
presence of any time dependent threats such as metal loss corrosion
or cracking. ILI of dense phase CO2 pipelines is challenging due to
the nature of the fluid being transported.
On Tuesday 25th October, the branch welcomed Vinay Tripurana,
Applications Engineering, Manager, Flexitallic UK Ltd., to talk on
“Flange Face Corrosion in seawater and hydrocarbon environments,
related to gasket material selection”.

Vinay oversees the company’s UK Applications Engineering Team.
He is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer with Masters’ degree in
Manufacturing Systems and has several years’ experience in providing
engineered solutions to a wide range of industries including
automotive, fabrication and sealing technology.
Bolted flange joints in seawater and hydrocarbon services can be
vulnerable to gasket degradation and flange face corrosion. In its
guidance document on corrosion management, the UK’s Energy
Institute ranks corrosion as the second most frequent cause in
initiating loss of hydrocarbon containment in offshore platforms,
and highlights corrosion as a major threat to asset integrity and plant
efficiency. Flange face corrosion can be extremely difficult to detect
prior to leakage leading to considerable loss of valuable resources.
The impact on the environment can also be a major concern, as can
the immediate safety of plant personnel. Replacement or remedial
works often means unscheduled downtime, additional costs, and
reduced asset efficiency.
A holistic approach must be taken to a flanged assembly as there are
several aspects which are critical to good integrity, and the gasket
alone cannot solve all issues. Junctions differ in that there are process
parameters of pressure, temperature and carried media, and the
hardware differs in design of bolting, support, insulation, and types of
flanges. Finally, the installation must be well supervised by competent
personnel and correct lubricants and tools used in a controlled and
safe manner to give good integrity of a pipe junction.
Unfortunately, gaskets that brought us through the ‘oil boom’ years
were traditionally made of asbestos which was a fire-proof material,
could deal with most chemicals, and had excellent sealing and
corrosion prevention properties, but the material fell from use due
to health and safety issues. Traditional alternative materials such as
Graphite, Mica and PTFE have characteristics that can be, or appear
to be, very useful to flange applications, but they do not have the
qualities to offer optimum performance in the area of corrosion
New sealing material - materials selection and the galvanic series.
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prevention. Graphite is naturally an electrical conductor and its
‘noble’ nature promotes corrosion, Mica exhibits very poor sealing
characteristics and PTFE is not fire safe and exhibits poor sealing
characteristics. This has led to further research into alternative
materials to mitigate this issue. For example, Flexitallic went in search
of a new material that would:
- Mitigate flange face corrosion – electrically neutral and clean
- Significantly improve connection tightness (Net Zero)
- Be fully compliant with current gasket standards – ASME B16.20
- Meet industry service envelope requirements (-196 to 260oC
& B16.5 #150 thru #2500)
- Meet fire safe requirements
- Be easy to use and require no change to established installation
procedures
- Economically viable compared with graphite
The solution was a new composite material now known as Corriculite
– a spiral wound gasket material based on vermiculite with filler
materials and enhancements. It is electrically inert, high purity spiral
wound with good tightness properties, that is both fire safe and
compliant with the requirements of ASME B16.20. It offers a direct and
cost-effective, replacement for conventional, graphite filled gaskets.
(Editor: more information can be found in the May/June issue of the
magazine).
Once the fundamental gasket property criteria had been fulfilled, the
material was tested to validate it for flange face corrosion and in order
to prove this, corrosion testing was conducted to ISO 9227, which is
simple 600 hour salt spray test (90 mins spray, then 90 mins dry with
170 cycles in total) for M20 Stainless steel bolts, with material to be
tested sandwiched between SS washers with PTFE isolator. Multiple
rings were placed in series and bolts torqued to 20 MPa.
continues on page 12
www.icorr.org November/December 2022 11
Institute News
New sealing material - induced corrosion evaluation.
Other required testing involved flange face corrosion sensitivity
testing. Potentiostatic polarisation techniques were used with
an impressed current to accelerate the likely corrosion reactions,
comparing older graphite performance with the new material. The
voltage required to initiate corrosion in graphite was found to be
nearly half as much as for the new Corriculite material. Seal tightness
was also assessed using a cyclic pressure test to EN13555, whereby
4” diameter sample gaskets were loaded and unloaded to increasing
levels of pressure up to 40 bar of helium, and the leakage measured.
Quick comparison showed that there is superior performance at the
3 main stress ranges tested when compared with graphite.
A validation test for thermal cycling was also conducted to
demonstrate the gasket’s ability to seal when exposed to thermal
fluctuations. For the ‘ambient’ test, the gasket was pressurised to 51
bar for 1 hour, a ‘fail’ being drop > 1 bar. A further high temperature
test was conducted at 42.5bar pressure at 260°C for 1 hour then
cooled for, for 10 cycles in total. These independent results showed
max 4 bar loss over the thermal cycling.
Cryogenic testing was also conducted, which is a’ Blowdown’
qualification for between -110C and -196C. Again, this was a
pressurised, hold 1 hour, depressurise, but for 3 cycles on ASME Class
150 & 900 grp2.2 flanges. The leakage test showed tight seal and high
performance. Fire safety tests were also passed for the new material at
650C 30min cyclic test with forced cool and pressurised cycles.
Fire safe testing for flanged assemblies.
12 November/December 2022 www.icorr.org
Vinay then concluded his talk by stating, the Corriculite gasket
development is proving to be an innovative spiral wound filler material
that mitigates flange face corrosion in up-stream environments. It
is fully compliant with current gasket standards and meets industry
service envelope requirements fire safe complaint. It can be used as
a direct replacement for graphite using existing assembly procedures
and is seen as a viable economic alternative to conventional graphite
sealing technology.
For its final technical meeting, the branch held a joint event
with The Mining Institute of Scotland (an Affiliated Local Society of
IOM3) on Wednesday 16th November, with Dr Prafull Sharma as the
speaker. Prafull currently serves as the Chief Technology Officer of UK
based CorrosionRADAR Ltd which is bringing innovative corrosion
monitoring technologies to the Energy Sector using Industrial Internet
of Things (IIoT). As a Technologist, he has brought vast industrial
experience to Corrosion Management, especially in the area of
digitalisation of on which there are several inventions to his credit.
Predictive maintenance and Industry seems to have been talked about
for at least a decade now, but in his talk, Prafull considered what this
means on a ‘day-to-day’ basis to asset integrity professionals. New
advancements in technologies including sensors, battery powered
devices, wireless connectivity, remote data analytics are enabling
creation of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).
 Institute News
Corrosion Management is now emerging as a big user for applications of digitalisation tools. CorrosionRADAR invented a predictive CUI monitoring
system that combines corrosion and moisture sensors, which is gaining increasing global traction, addressing a major issue for the industry.

Process of CUI and impact on industry.

CorrosionRADAR currently have a number of site trials ongoing with both UK and overseas Energy Operators. They continue to have many have many
high-profile Investors including – Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC), and Saudi Aramco Energy Ventures (SAEV).

Example of installation to vessel with cyclic temperature operation.

Certificates of Appreciation were issued to all our Hooman YEP 2022 Coordinator
Dr Muhammad Ejaz Chair
branch presenters. The branch also held its AGM Takhtechian and Past Chair
at the October meeting, during which a new Leela University Liaison
Adesiji Anjorin Vice-Chair
committee was elected. Ramachandran & CPD Officer
YEP Mentors and Case Study
Abstracts of potential papers for the Dr Nigel Owen Secretary External Steve Paterson
Co-ordinator
Aberdeen Technical Programme are always Lian Ling Beh Secretary Internal Dr Olubayo Latinwo Branch Sponsorship Officer
welcome, and anyone wishing to join committee Bryn Roberts Financial Officer Dr Yunnan Gao Website Officer and Past Chair
should correspond with the Aberdeen Chair: Dr Event Co-ordinator and
Muhammad Ejaz itsejaz@yahoo.com Mei Ling Cheah Stephen Tate Observer and Past Chair
Young ICorr Officer
Aberdeen Branch Positions for 2022-2023 Session.
Further Information about the Aberdeen Branch, and
past presentations, may be found on their website
page: Aberdeen Branch - Institute of Corrosion Steve Paterson
supporting our
(icorr.org), and to join the Aberdeen Branch mailing successful YEP
Programme

list, please contact: icorrabz@gmail.com

New Aberdeen Committee 2022-2023 with retiring Branch Members (circled) - Dr Olubayo Latinwo
(last Vice Chair) and Hooman Takhtechian (last Chair).
www.icorr.org November/December 2022 13
Institute News

London Branch
This very interesting presentation was followed by a comprehensive
Q&A session. Anthony was then presented with an ICorr pen by
Paul Brooks.

The October presentation was given by Anthony Setiadi, Wood
Thilsted Partners, on the ongoing challenges in corrosion protection
of foundations for offshore wind technologies. This was a well-
attended hybrid event, joint with LMS had approximately 60
attendees, split 2/3rds in person and 1/3rd online.
The November meeting had unfortunately to be held online only,
due to the TFL tube strike. The presentation was given by Roland
Anderson of Axess-Corrosion Inc., about new solutions to problems
related to intrusive corrosion monitoring systems, and learn about,
and evaluate, innovations relating to the safety of these monitoring
devices. Roland Anderson has over 20 years’ experience in the
Oil & Gas industry focused on internal corrosion monitoring
programmes globally, and has developed and established
businesses in many locations including the UK, Middle East,
Australia, China, and the USA.

Roland first
looked at some
examples of
incidents ranging
in severity
from loss of
containment
to fatality, in
particular a fatality
Anthony Setiadi in 2012 which
The offshore wind industry growth is rapidly accelerating as the sent shockwaves
world is pushing towards renewable energy sources. Wind turbines throughout the
often need to be installed on foundations which are in aggressive industry, and the Roland Anderson

environments that are prone to many operators

corrosion if not protected and who had not serviced access systems under line pressure due to risk
/ or designed with corrosion in Momopile (MP). management concerns, and which was highlighted in an ‘Learning
mind. There are various offshore from Incidents Action Alert’ published by Shell in 2012.
wind foundation types, such as, Corrosion monitoring devices are designed to be changed out
monopiles, jackets, tetrabases, under live process pressure, negating the need for the process to
gravity bases and floating structures, be shutdown, utilising an access system and specialised retrieval
often grouped in vast arrays for equipment. The access systems can be either mechanical or
reasons of economy. hydraulic, and the systems are also used for the installation of
The presentation was primarily erosion, scale, hydrogen monitoring devices, and chemical
focused on monopile foundations injection and sampling hardware.
and the design considerations that There was a trend, sparked by the 2012 incident, and fueled by
would need to be taken onboard. technology companies, to move towards non-intrusive monitors.
Monopiles have both internal His company supply, install, and data manage these systems, which
and external surfaces needing provide good value, but when talking about corrosion monitoring,
protection. Coating requirements it’s often actually chemical performance monitoring, and this
and different cathodic protection cannot achieve the level of insights required to optimise chemical
systems (i.e. galvanic and ICCP) performance with ultrasonics. Intrusive and non-intrusive sensors
were discussed for the internal Typical offshore wind monopile
are complementary, and the trend towards non-intrusive is driven by
and external of the MP. Anthony foundation (Wood Thilsted).
the need to convert inspection to monitoring, opposed to replacing
stressed that there were challenges one system with another.
regarding positioning of the CP system and installation concerns
which needed to be considered along with any simultaneous Corrosion coupons, the backbone of traditional monitoring
operations that need to happen offshore during the installation systems, at low to moderate corrosion rates, can detect the
phases, e.g. piling operations that limit placement of anodes on the performance of chemical injection programmes 2 years before
primary structure. inspections. Electrical Resistance (ER) probes are complementary
to coupons, and are used to obtain very accurate data over short
The main consideration is how the structure would behave with periods of time to enable chemical injection optimisation. ER
and without corrosion protection, especially the fatigue critical probes can also be designed for erosion monitoring.
components such as the girth welds. The other consideration would
be the site condition which will vary across the different wind farm
locations and in some cases, a clustering strategy for varying sets of
marine and geological conditions may be needed.

In addition, a corrosion protection plan must be developed and

agreed well in advance, which then needs to be followed through
to completion, including input to operation and maintenance
strategies to ensure that the structure integrity is not compromised Visit the ICATS website
throughout design life. www.icats-training.org

14 November/December 2022 www.icorr.org

 Institute News

Wood Thilsted - Offshore

wind monopile foundation

This table provides examples of the time it takes to detect metal loss.

Retrieval tools have been in use for over half a century, and their
design has been unchanged, and until now, there has been no
innovation related to the tools or the access systems. It is estimated
that hundreds of online retrievals are performed every day without
incident, yet many do lead to incidents that range in severity from
loss of containment to fatalities.
Wherever possible, Axess has ensured that they their products have
a very low impact on work procedures, but a significant impact
on risk assessment. They engineer and manufacture a full range of
mechanical and digital solutions for corrosion/erosion and chemical
injection/sampling applications, and provide supporting services
from commissioning systems to abandonment.

Through a patented design, Axess have made it possible for legacy
tools, of all proprietary brands to be
made safer by adding the Janus™ guard,
which is supplied as the Retrokit. These
retrieval tools are supplied with the
Janus™ guard fitted as standard, and
the retriever is not only safer, but is also
lighter, than legacy tools. This innovation
can enable operators to regain the full
value of online monitoring systems, and
the advantages for the asset integrity and
corrosion teams is clear.
Roland concluded by saying that there are 5 products which make
up the Janus™ range, and the solutions they provide are as follows:
• Removed the line of fire from retrieval tool operations
• No risk of tools pistoning, or handles whipping
• Visual indication confirms correct seal of hydraulic access
fittings
• The first double seal and double isolation access fittings and
service valves
• How to safely purge, plug and abandon redundant access

North East Branch

Sadly, Lee Wilson, who was the chair of the re-formed branch, passed away suddenly in October.
Lee was passionate about the Industry, and in particular the Institute of Corrosion, and was
the driving force behind the regeneration of the ICorr NE Branch. He used all his contacts and
managed to put a technical programme together starting with a joint presentation at the Institute
of Mining and Mechanical Engineering in Newcastle, to be given by Britt Gavaert of ACOTEC.
L ee had a wide range of experience with coating inspection techniques and methods. This
experience began when he was a blaster and coating applicator in the NE, before moving into
supervision and inspection. He was keen to pass on his experience to others in the protective
coatings industry, and has published two editions of a book for inspectors – The Paint Inspector’s
Field Guide. He is recognised as an expert on fabric maintenance and corrosion control in the Oil
and Gas industry, and recently was becoming involved in the offshore wind industry. He had just
finished another book aimed at this industry, “The guide to corrosion protection of offshore wind
turbine towers”, but sadly his untimely death occurred before he could see this published.
The Institute of Corrosion would like to express their condolences to Lee’s family, friends, and
colleagues around the world.
The new chair of the branch will be Matt Fletcher, International Paint Ltd.

www.icorr.org November/December 2022 15

Industry News

Industry News
Advanced Robotic Inspections Strengthen
Critical Infrastructure Across European Market
Gecko Robotics, a leader in using advanced
robotics and enterprise software to help
ensure the availability, reliability, and
sustainability of critical infrastructure, has
announced a three-year collaboration with
Siemens Energy’s European Field Service
organisation to market and perform advanced
ultrasonic robotic inspection services
across Europe.
According to the company, these advanced
robotic inspections are poised to strengthen
critical infrastructure and transform how
installed equipment is inspected and
maintained. Together, the two companies
will develop new technologies and
services to better serve customers across
several industries, including pulp & paper,
power generation (conventional and
renewable), and oil & gas. Siemens Energy’s
European Field Service organisation and
Gecko Robotics have already completed
inspections in Europe, in Poland (pulp/
paper), Belgium (waste to energy), the
Netherlands (food processing), and the
UK (power generation). In support of
the collaboration, Siemens Energy has
established a new Product Competence
Centre in the Netherlands, with expansion
plans underway.
Gecko Robotics’ robots are remote controlled
and equipped with ultrasonic transducers,
localisation sensors, lasers, and HD cameras.
They climb vertically and horizontally,
adhering magnetically to an extensive range
of equipment types to scan for changes in
thickness, cracks, corrosion, blistering, and
other forms of degradation. The robots also
include localisation technology to pinpoint
exact locations on an asset, allowing for truly
accurate inspections that enable inspectors
to examine corrosion trends over time,
predict when failures will occur, and estimate
when repairs will be necessary. Data
captured by Gecko’s robots and its software
platform can then produce a validated report
within 24 hours, allowing inspectors to
quickly assess and make informed decisions
about ongoing maintenance or repairs. This
process and quick turnaround also enable
inspectors to reduce asset downtime and lost
production while ensuring critical repairs are
conducted with high confidence, concluded
the company.

AMPP CEO Announces Retirement

The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) has announced that its CEO, Bob
Chalker, plans to retire in July 2023. The AMPP board of directors has started a formal search for a
successor, considering internal and external candidates for the position.
According to the AMPP, Chalker has served in his role for more than 12 years, first as CEO of NACE
International and then with AMPP through the merger of NACE and SSPC in 2021.
“It has been a privilege to serve as CEO of this great organisation, and I want to extend my thanks to
AMPP’s employees and members who have enabled the association to achieve so much,” said Chalker.

Preventing Corrosion During Hydrotesting

Hydrotesting of vessels, valves and pipelines, is carried out to ensure that no leaks
are present and that the vessel will hold up under expected operating pressures,
however it also raises the risk of corrosion by introducing moisture to the system.
The same water that proves the vessel is not compromised can be the very cause of
corrosion that deteriorates the metal and leads to leakage over time.
According to Cortec®, its VpCI®-649 inhibitor, a unique concentrated liquid
formulation combining contact and Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors, can protect
surfaces during hydrotesting. These inhibitors form a molecular protective layer on
metal surfaces below and above the water level, and protect both ferrous and non-
ferrous metals, including copper, steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, and cast iron.
The inhibitor does not contain nitrites, phosphates, or chromates, which helps
minimise disposal concerns, concluded the company.

16 November/December 2022 www.icorr.org

 Industry News

Death of Mr Douglas Norton, founder

of Indestructible Paint
Indestructible Paint has announced the passing of the founder of
Indestructible Paint, Douglas Norton, in late September 2022.
Born on 19th August 1930, Doug developed a passion for paint
and surface coatings when he was apprenticed at Llewellyn Ryland
from 1948 to 1950. Doug was called up between 1950 to 1953 for
National Service. His career progressed with Permoglaze between
1954 – 1956 at Tenbury Wells, from where he moved to Gittings &
Hills Paint Company of Nechells, Birmingham, which became Ault
& Wiborg, where his career progressed eventually becoming Chief
Chemist, then Export Manager.
Ault & Wiborg closed their Birmingham branch circa. 1977, Doug
was invited to move to London to the Perivale site but he did not
wish to uproot his family, and with great pride, Doug opened the
doors to Indestructible Paint on 4th July 1978 which Doug referred
to as his “Independence Day!”
Thanks to his passion for surface coatings, his expertise and
dedication to customer satisfaction, the company grew from a small,
independent workshop in Birmingham’s Acocks Green, to become
a leading supplier of high-performance, niche aerospace products
for international customers. To add to Doug’s already impressive list
of achievements, Doug was a Past President of the Birmingham Paint
Varnish and Lacquer Club and a proud member of OCCA, The Oil &
Colour Chemists’ Association, and having been a member for over
50 years. Doug Norton (left).

Science Council Climate Conference

On 29th September the Science Council
held its first ever policy conference
entitled The Science Council Climate
Conference - The UK Pathway to Net-Zero.
The event brought together Science
Council members and other organisations
from across the science and engineering
community to discuss how the UK can
meet its targets for reducing emissions and
reaching net-zero in the coming years.
The conference drew on the diverse
expertise of member organisations,
exploring in depth topics such as the
challenges and opportunities in the food
system, achieving net-zero in the steel
industry and the role of hydrogen in
balancing future supply and demand.
Speaking at the conference, Sir Patrick
Vallance, Government Chief Scientific
Adviser and National Technology Adviser,
said: “Every year, we’re losing Arctic Sea
ice and CO2 levels have dramatically
increased since the industrial revolution.
There are clearly unarguable changes that
are occurring. Science and technology
are undoubtedly central to what we
need to do. We need to be focused
on technologies that we can already
see, technologies that we have already
invented, and ask how do we work out
which of those we can implement and
scale.”
Videos of the livestreamed sessions can
be found at:
Plenary Panel 1 - The UK’s Net-Zero
Challenge, https://youtu.be/
cCLGOmlQS-I
Keynote Address by Sir Patrick Vallance,
https://youtu.be/CZx9jnQcmQ8
Plenary Panel 2 – The role of the UK
science and engineering community,
https://youtu.be/XJaIbQ7QVME
and the full conference programme of the
conference is available at,
https://sciencecouncil.org/web/wp-
content/uploads/2022/09/Climate-
Conference-September-2022.pdf
To find out more about future events held
by the Science Council and its professional
body Members see their website: https://
sciencecouncil.org/category/event/

www.icorr.org November/December 2022 17

Industry News

Formal signing of agreements to facilitate

mobility of professional engineers
The Engineering Council has announced the
formal signing of new agreements with Spanish
professional bodies Asociación de Ingenieros
Profesionales de España (AIPE) and the Agency
for Qualification of Professional Engineers
(AQPE), which will facilitate the mobility and
recognition of engineering professionals
between the UK and Spain.
AIPE are based in Madrid and AQPE
represents the Catalan region, based in
Barcelona. Both AIPE and AQPE competence
standards are based very closely on the
Engineering Council’s UK Standard for
Engineering Competence and Commitment
(UK-SPEC) and their processes - including
a professional review interview - are similar. Engineers registered with the Engineering
Both organisations have had their standards Council, or certified by AIPE and AQPE are
in place for six years (with support from the required to demonstrate they are maintaining
Institution of Mechanical Engineers, IMechE) and developing their professional competence
and award titles including Expert Professional through a process of Continuing Professional
Engineer and Senior Professional Engineer. Development (CPD).

Latest Literature
Manipulating transport paths of
inhibitor pigments
The microstructure of an organic coating affects the leaching of inhibitor
pigment, and this microstructure can be altered by the addition of other
pigments.
The network of cavities and voids formed upon dissolution and removal
of the soluble pigment introduces transport paths, and consequently,
facilitates the leaching of the main inhibitor pigment.
Adequate leaching of active inhibitor pigments in organic coatings is
essential for corrosion protection that relies on active inhibition of the
metallic substrate. Therefore, it is important to obtain a comprehensive
understanding of the factors that influence leaching kinetics and
mechanisms. In the present study, model organic coatings were
formulated to investigate the influence of additional pigmentation (i.e.
pigments other than the main inhibitor) on the leaching of species
released from the main inhibitor pigment.
In a recent article, It was found that addition of soluble/sparingly
soluble pigments to the organic coating resulted in increased leaching
rate. This was attributed to the formation of clusters comprised of both
the main inhibitor pigment and the additional pigment. The network
of cavities and voids formed upon dissolution and removal of the
soluble pigment introduces transport paths in the organic coating, and
consequently, facilitates the leaching of the main inhibitor pigment.
The study was published in Progress in Organic Coatings, Volume 172,
November 2022.

Polyurea for anti-corrosion and wear-

resistant enhancement
A new report presents a promising
application of polyurea nanofibers to
enhance the anti-corrosion and wear
resistance of epoxy resins.
Highly dispersed nanofibers with
continuous strengthening interface can
enhance the anticorrosion and wear
resistance of traditional waterborne
epoxy resin. Polyurea ~50 nm in diameter
nanofibers were synthesised by addition
polymerisation of methylene diphenyl
diisocyanate and organic amine.
The impedance of as-prepared composite
coatings was increased by almost four
times, providing longer lasting protection
even in harsh environments. Meanwhile,
the polyurea with 0.25 wt% nanofibers
can greatly improve the wear resistance
of coating up to 73.2 %. The anti-wear
capacity of composite coating is derived
from the entangled polyurea nanofibers
transmitting the force of the contact surface
and dimensional resistance to prevent
coating displacement.
The study was published in Progress in
Organic Coatings, Volume 171, October
2022.

18 November/December 2022 www.icorr.org


STANDARDS UP-DATE
ISO
The following documents have obtained substantial support during the
past two months, and have been submitted to the ISO member bodies
for voting, or formal approval.
ISO/DIS 4624 Paints and varnishes — Pull-off test for adhesion
(Revision of ISO 4624:2016).
ISO/DIS 4628-10 Paints and varnishes — Evaluation of quantity and
size of defects, and of intensity of uniform changes in appearance —
Part 10: Assessment of degree of filiform corrosion (Revision of for high-temperature corrosion testing of metallic materials by
2016 standard).
ISO/FDIS 4680 Corrosion of metals and alloys —Uniaxial constant-
load test method for evaluating susceptibility of metals and alloys to
stress corrosion cracking in high-purity water at high temperatures.
ISO/DIS 4773 Non-destructive testing — Ultrasonic guided wave
testing using the phased array technique.
ISO/DIS 5668 Corrosion of metals and alloys —Guidelines for
corrosion testing in simulated environment of deep-sea water.
Visit the ICATS website
www.icats-training.org
Industry News
ISO/DIS 7539-12 Corrosion of metals and alloys — Stress
corrosion testing — Part 12: Requirements for atmospheric stress
corrosion cracking testing.
ISO/FDIS 7784-1 Paints and varnishes — Determination of
resistance to abrasion — Part 1: Method with abrasive-paper
covered wheels and rotating test specimen (Revision of 2016
standard).
ISO/FDIS 7784-2 Paints and varnishes — Determination of
resistance to abrasion— Part 2: Method with abrasive rubber wheels
and rotating test specimen (Revision of 2016 standard).
New International standards published in the past two months.
ISO 4215:2022 Corrosion of metals and alloys — Test method
thermogravimetry under isothermal or cyclic conditions.
ISO 7784-3:2022 Paints and varnishes — Determination of
resistance to abrasion — Part 3: Method with abrasive-paper
covered wheel and linearly reciprocating test specimen.
ISO 11127-6:2022 Preparation of steel substrates before application
of paints and related products — Test methods for non-metallic
blast-cleaning abrasives — Part 6: Determination of water-soluble
contaminants by conductivity measurement.
www.icorr.org November/December 2022 19
Fellow’s
Ask the Expert
Corner
Ask the Expert
The questions in this issue feature insulated stainless steel pipework, and transporting CO2
Question:
Should 304 stainless steel pipework be coated
prior to insulation? CM
Answer:
Corrosion under insulation in austenitic
stainless steel manifests itself in the form of
chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking
(CISCC), also referred to as external stress
corrosion cracking (ESCC), as the source
of chlorides is external to the process
environment.
The mechanism of stress corrosion cracking
(SCC) is well known in industry and can be
found in lots of publications which are in the
public domain. The mode of cracking failure is
typically trans granular. There are a number of
conditions that are in play when it comes SCC,
as detailed below:
1. A susceptible 300 series austenitic stainless
steel, in this case 304
2. Residual or applied surface tensile stresses
3. The presence of halides from either the
environment of the insulation itself
4. Process temperatures leading to metal
temperature in the range 50° Like many ‘Ask the Expert’ questions, there is
to 150°C
5. An electrolyte (water)
All of the above are ever present, and
hence the need to use specific coatings on
stainless steel. The types of coating that can
be employed are varied depending on the
operating temperature, typically:
• Organic epoxy chemistry is capable of
resisting cryogenic temperatures and up to
120/150C, depending on formula
• Epoxy phenolics/novolacs are suitable
from cryogenic temperatures and up to
200/230C, again depending upon formula
• Inorganic coatings such as Inert
Multipolymer Matrix, are also capable from
cryogenic temperatures and up to 600C
These coatings when formulated correctly,
using barrier pigmentation such as Micaeous
Iron Oxide (MIO), aluminium flake or glassflake,
will create a barrier to the ingress of chlorides
to the stainless steel substrate.
There is also the matter of the insulation to
consider when it is being used. It is well
documented that with traditional insulation,
and mineral based insulation with a metal
jacket, that water will penetrate into the
insulation system. The water will find a way
through breakages in the metallic jacket or
20 November/December
November/December2022
2022 www.icorr.org
www.icorr.org
joints edges, and then it will soak through
the insulation giving rise to CUI/CISCC
conditions. Under certain operating conditions
up to 177C, the traditional insulation could
be replaced with a thermal insulation coating
system (TIC) especially in the case where
personal protection is required. This will
remove the conditions which are required
for CUI, and reduce the risk on CISCC, as no
electrolyte is being held at the surface.
Therefore, a combination of a good barrier
coating with high temperature resistance and
a thermal insulation coating could be a very
good choice in combatting both CUI and
CISCC.
Neil Wilds, Global Product Director -
CUI/Testing, Sherwin-Williams,
Protective & Marine Coatings.
Question:
Carbon capture and pipelines/storage – what
are the limits of impurities when transporting
CO2? PF
Answer:
no simple answer to this! Although general
industry guidance on impurity limits is available
from a number of sources [1-4], there are no
internationally agreed specifications for CO2
composition during pipeline transport. Under
current regulations, the responsibility lies with
the pipeline operator to carry out their own
assessment and specify impurity limits during
the design phase of a given CO2 pipeline
project. These limits can vary significantly
depending on the composition of the CO2
stream, the economics of the purification
technologies used and the operating
conditions of the pipeline.
From a corrosion perspective, the most
important impurity to consider is obviously
water. When the water concentration is below
its solubility limit in dense phase CO2 (~
2500 ppm under typical pipeline operating
conditions in the absence of other impurities)
no corrosion will occur. However, the presence
of other impurities can increase the likelihood
of corrosive phases forming, either by reducing
the water solubility or via chemical reactions
between different impurities. Acid dropout
is the most significant concern for pipeline
operators, whereby highly corrosive aqueous
phases, such as nitric and sulphuric acid, can
form as a result of reactions between water,
NOx, SOx, O2 and H2S impurities.
Assessment of the risk of water and acid
dropout in CO2 pipelines due to the presence
of multiple impurities is a complex process,
which requires an understanding of the
thermodynamics of fluid composition, the
impact of operating temperature and pressure
variations (including potential upset conditions)
and interactions between impurities. The
requirements for ship transport are typically
more stringent than those for pipelines [5],
with lowest temperatures representing the
worst-case scenario.
Published corrosion rate data in the open
literature should be treated with caution due
to challenges in control of test parameters
and the high degree of uncertainty around
the correlation between laboratory test data
and real world application. Combined with
the relative lack of service experience in
transport of CO2 captured from a range of
industrial sources, this often leads to a degree
of over-conservatism in materials selection.
For CO2 specifications, thresholds in relation
to acid drop out are set based on limited
o
available data (often not lower than 25 C) and
are therefore likely not conservative enough.
The development of reliable standard test
methods that are more representative of
service conditions will go a long way towards
addressing these issues.
A full description of the process for developing
reliable CO2 impurity specifications for individual
projects is clearly beyond the scope of this
response but the interested reader is directed to
the references below as a starting point.
References
1. DNV-RP-F104 – Design and operation of
carbon dioxide pipelines, Recommended
Practice, September 2021
2. Briefing on carbon dioxide specifications for
transport, EU CCUS PROJECTS NETWORK,
November 2019
3. DYNAMIS CO2 quality recommendations,
EU DYNAMIS project D 3.1.3 report, June
2007
4. Materials challenges with CO2 transport and
injection for carbon capture and storage, J.
Sonke, W.M. Bos, S.J. Paterson, International
Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control 114,
103601, 2022
5. Network Technology Guidance for CO2
transport by ship, ZEP/CCSA Report, March
2022
Gareth Hinds, NPL

Fellow’s Corner
This series of articles is intended to highlight industry-wide engineering experiences, guidance, and focused advice to practising
technologists. The series is written by ICorr Fellows who have made significant contributions to the field of corrosion management.
This issue features articles on the use of existing pipelines for the transport of hydrogen, by Frank Cheng, Dept. of Mechanical &
Manufacturing Engineering, University of Calgary, Canada, and on an interesting aspect of copper corrosion, by Peter Elliott,
Corrosion & Materials Consultancy, Inc., Las Vegas, USA.
Suitability of existing pipelines for hydrogen service
It is believed that hydrogen will play a critical role in energy transition,
and achievement of the 2050 net-zero emission goal. Hydrogen delivery
is integral to the entire value chain of hydrogen economy. Compared
with other transportation modes, such as tankers, pipelines provide an
economic and efficient means to transport gaseous hydrogen with a high
transportation capacity over long distances [1]. Particularly, repurposing
existing natural gas pipelines is “a low-cost option for delivering large
volumes of hydrogen” [2], contributing to accelerated realisation of a
full-scale hydrogen economy, while saving high initial capital costs of
constructing new hydrogen-dedicated pipelines.
However, hydrogen embrittlement (HE) can occur on pipelines
transporting hydrogen in either blended or pure form, compromising
the structural integrity to cause pipeline failures. Compared with newly
constructed pipelines, the existing pipelines, after a long time of service
in the field, include additional challenges to address in terms of the HE
occurrence when converted for hydrogen service.
What is hydrogen embrittlement?
Hydrogen embrittlement is a general term describing the degradation
of a material’s (mainly metal) properties and structural integrity, due to
hydrogen-metal interactions. HE is a concept serving as an ‘umbrella’
under which many different modes of metallic degradation induced by
hydrogen are referred to.
The first mode of HE phenomenon is hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC),
which is also regarded as the most dangerous mode of HE-associated
materials failure. The HIC occurs when the hydrogen atom concentration
at a local site exceeds a threshold value under a given stress condition.
Generally, the threshold H atom concentration required to initiate cracks
in steels decreases with an increased stress. Many mechanisms or theories
have been proposed to explain the HIC occurrence, such as hydrogen-
enhanced localised plasticity (HELP), hydrogen-enhanced decohesion
(HEDE), adsorption- induced dislocation emission (AIDE), and hydrogen-
assisted microvoid coalescence (HAMC) [3].
Presently the dominant mechanisms for HIC of steels are the HEDE and
HELP [4]. According to the HEDE mechanism, H atoms can weaken bonds
H atom
generation
Adsorption
Figure 1. Entire processes for HIC occurrence on metals (steels).
Fellow’s Corner
between iron atoms in steels and when the external stress exceeds the
atomic cohesive strength of Fe in the presence of H atoms, microcracks
can be initiated. The HELP mechanism proposes that H atoms accumulate
at dislocations to decrease the interfacial elastic energy between mobile
dislocations, enhancing the mobility of the dislocations. As a result,
the local deformation can occur at a lowered stress, facilitating plastic
deformation and cracking occurrence. The HIC can initiate whether on the
surface of a metal (i.e., external HIC,) or inside the metal (i.e., internal HIC).
The second mode of HE is hydrogen blistering, where the H atoms
entering the metal become recombined to form hydrogen molecules
(H2) at the trapping sites, such as voids. The elevated pressure due to
accumulation of H2 molecules at a local site can cause formation of a blister
(or bubble) on the metal surface. This hydrogen blistering usually occurs
on low-strength and ductile metals where the bubbling process does not
initiate cracks. Instead, the metals’ experience a remarkable local plastic
deformation. If the metals have a high strength and limited ductility, the
hydrogen-elevated pressure can cause cracking by the so-called hydrogen
internal pressure (HIP) mechanism.
The most common mode of HE phenomenon is degradation of
mechanical properties of the affected metals, which is usually shown
as a reduction in fracture toughness and ductility. The direct evidence
of this mode is the decrease in fracture elongation in the stress-strain
curve measured on hydrogen- charged metals, compared with the
tensile behaviour of hydrogen-free metals. Generally, a limited amount of
hydrogen atoms may not be sufficient to initiate cracks, but can cause a
reduction in ductility of the metals.
Uniqueness of pipeline hydrogen embrittlement in
high-pressure gaseous environments
HE can occur on pipelines in high-pressure gaseous hydrogen
environments. The entire HIC processes include six steps, i.e., generation
of H atoms, adsorption of the H atoms on the steel surface, absorption
of the H atoms by permeating into the steel, diffusion of H atoms in the
crystalline lattice, trapping (accumulation) of H atoms at local sites, and the
crack initiation, as schematically shown in Figure 1. The first three steps,
i.e., H atom generation, adsorption, and absorption, depend heavily
on the environment, whereas the other steps of diffusion, trapping and
cracking, mainly rely on the metallurgical factors.
Diffusion Trapping
Cracking
Absorption
www.icorr.org November/December 2022 21
Fellow’s Corner

Previous work demonstrated that H atoms can generate and become
adsorbed on steel surfaces through a so-called dissociative adsorption
mechanism in high-pressure gaseous environments [5]. The Gibbs free energy
changes for production of H atoms from gaseous H2 molecules are negative,
indicating a thermodynamic feasibility, under pipeline operating conditions
with typical temperatures, pressures and H2 gas/natural gas blending ratios.
Moreover, the generated H atoms can adsorb stably at On-Top (OT) and 2-fold
(2F) Cross-Bridge sites of the Fe (100) crystalline plane, while the hydrogen
adsorption at 2F sites is more stable due to a higher electron density and a
stronger electronic hybridisation between Fe and H. Upon entering the steels,
the H atoms predominantly stay at tetrahedral void sites due to a low energy
path and exothermic feature. It has been noted that a uniform distribution of
H atoms at the tetrahedral voids in a crystalline lattice would not cause HE
or HIC, if the amount of H atoms is within the limit of H solubility. However,
the local solubility can be exceeded if H atoms diffuse towards high stress
zones, or become trapped at metallurgical features such as grain boundaries,
dislocations, and non-metallic inclusions.
Additional challenges when repurposing existing
pipelines for hydrogen service
After a long time of service in the field, existing pipelines become aged and
contain various surface defects such as dents, corrosion, scratches, winkles
and microcracks. These defects, if passing the assessment criteria [9], would
not be required to be repaired, and the pipelines can continue to operate.
However, they serve as effective traps to accumulate H atoms. Particularly,
dents, a common type of mechanical damage present on pipelines, is a
permanent inward deformation on the pipe body, greatly changing the
local stress and strain distributions. As a result, the H atoms, once entering
the pipe steels, tend to diffuse towards the dent and accumulating locally.
Modeling results showed that there were maximum H atom concentrations
at both sides of the dent along the circumferential direction, as shown
in Figure 2. The H atom distribution coincided with the distribution of
hydrostatic stress on the pipe. Moreover, as the dent depth increases, the H
atom concentration increases at the local area.

Nowadays, substantial studies have been conducted to investigate HE of

metals, including pipeline steels, in aqueous environments, where most
investigations focused on H atom generation during steel corrosion or
cathodic over-protection. Four major differences exist in H atom generation
and permeation in steel between a gaseous environment (“gaseous”
hydrogen) and the aqueous environment (“cathodic” hydrogen), as listed
in Table 1, making it infeasible to directly use data obtained in aqueous
environments for HE investigations on pipelines in high-pressure gaseous
environments. First, the amount of “cathodic” hydrogen generating
during electrochemical cathodic charging, either potentiostatically or
galvanostatically, is always substantial. A significant H atom concentration
gradient exists between the outside and inside subsurface of the steel.
However, the amount of H atoms generated in a gaseous environment is
usually limited. After several months of exposure of a pipe steel to high-
pressure (10 MPa) H2 gas, the measured H concentration is less than 1 ppm [6].
Secondly, due to the high concentration gradient of H atoms across the steel
surface, the permeation of “cathodic” hydrogen is always one way, entering
the steel from the adsorption to absorption state. As a comparison, the
“gaseous” H atoms, even entering the steel and becoming absorbed inside,
can still leave the absorption site and change to adsorption state [5]. Thus, the
permeation of “gaseous” hydrogen is reversible. Third, the electrochemical
hydrogen-charging usually generates reproducible results, making the testing
method (i.e., the Devanathan-Stachurski cell) a standard method for hydrogen
atom permeation tests [7]. Although there has been limited work to measure
the H atom permeation in gaseous environments, the obtained data are usually
scattered, and sometimes, even conflict each other. Finally, both constant Figure 2. Distributions of the H atom concentration (unit: mol/m3) on an X52 steel
pipe segment containing a constrained dent and the cross-sectional view. The dent
concentration model and constant flux model have been developed to fit depth is 3% of pipe outer diameter and the internal pressure is 10 MPa [10].
the electrochemical cathodic H-charging results to derive the H permeation
parameters such as H diffusivity, subsurface H concentration and trapping
density [8]. To date, a model applied for “gaseous” hydrogen permeation Different from a dent, a corrosion defect causes metal loss on the pipe wall.
has not been established. Due to the differences listed, the testing results and Moreover, the corrosion defect is dynamic in nature, and will grow with
modeling methods for aqueous “cathodic” hydrogen testing cannot be used time in the service environment. It is acknowledged that corrosion is one of
for gaseous hydrogen permeation testing. the primary mechanisms causing pipeline failures. Generally, the presence
of a corrosion defect on the pipe body can decrease the pressure-bearing
capability of the pipelines.
‘Gaseous’ ‘Cathodic’
hydrogen hydrogen Thus, many standards and codes have been developed for corrosion defect
assessment. Similar to a dent, if a corrosion defect passes the assessment
Amount generated
to adsorb on steel Limited Substantial
criteria, the corroded pipelines can continue to operate, without a need to
surface repair the corrosion defect, but a cautious monitoring of the defect growth
should be followed. It was confirmed that the H atoms which were originally
Permeation
Reversible between
One way from adsorption
distributed in the crystalline lattice of a steel would diffuse towards the
adsorption and corrosion defect. Moreover, as the corrosion defect length reduces and the
pathway to absorption
absorption depth increases, the H atom concentration becomes more apparent, as
seen in Figure 3.
Scattering, and
Testing results Reproducible
sometimes, controversial

Numerical model
to derive hydrogen Constant concentration
None
permeating model and constant flux
parameters model
Visit the ICATS website
Table 1. Comparison of the H atom generation and permeation in steels in a www.icats-training.org
gaseous environment and in an aqueous environment.

22 November/December 2022 www.icorr.org

 Fellow’s Corner

[8] Y.F. Cheng, Analysis of electrochemical hydrogen permeation through

X-65 pipeline steel and its implications on pipeline stress corrosion
cracking, Int. J. Hydrogen Energy, 32 (2007) 1269–1276.
[9] Guojin Qin, Y. Frank Cheng, A review on defect assessment of
pipelines: Principles, numerical solutions, and applications, Int. J.
Press. Vessel Pip., 191 (2021) 104329.
[10] Frank Cheng, Hydrogen transport in aged pipelines II. Technical
assessment of the susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement, AMPP /
ASM International Calgary Chapter Luncheon, Calgary, Canada, Oct.
19, 2022.
Frank Cheng

FOR ALL THE LATEST

CORROSION
Figure 3. Distributions of the H atom concentration (unit: mol/m3) on an X52 steel
pipe segment containing a corrosion defect with varied lengths and depths [10].

A technical assessment programme for the suitability

of aged pipelines in hydrogen service INDUSTRY JOBS
VISIT THE ICORR
Obviously, a technical programme must be developed to assess the
suitability of the existing aged pipelines to transport hydrogen in either pure
or blended form. The assessment should consider the synergism of steel

JOB BOARD
metallurgy, stress, and hydrogen, on HE or HIC occurrence. Particularly, the
surface defects present on the pipelines should be paid much attention, in
addition to the metallurgical features such as grain boundaries, dislocations
and non-metallic inclusions, which are effective hydrogen traps. The specific
service history of the pipelines which were made of various grades of steel
should be considered, and the technical assessment should be conducted For job seekers
case by case. Once successfully developed, the technical assessment
programme will be able to: evaluate the possibility of H atoms generation
• Over 60 jobs currently being
and the amount of H atoms adsorbed on the steel surface under pipeline advertised
operating conditions, quantify the accumulated H atom concentration at the • Set up job alerts for immediate
surface defects and metallurgical features under given conditions, estimate notifications
the threshold H atom concentration at a local defect to initiate cracks under
• Upload your CV so employers can
a certain stressing condition, rank the HE susceptibility of the aged pipelines
while considering the metallurgical and stress factors, and recommend find you
proper operating conditions (e.g., temperature, pressure and blending • Free to use
ratio) to minimise and eliminate pipeline HE in high-pressure gaseous
environments. For employers
References • Place your job in front of our highly
[1] A.S. Hawkins, Technological Characterization of Hydrogen Storage qualified members
and Distribution Technologies, UKSHEC Social Science Working • Over 10,000 visitors every month
paper no. 21, Policy Studies Institute, London, UK, 2006.
• Fill your jobs quickly with great talent
[2] U.S. Department of Energy, Hydrogen Pipelines, Washington DC, US,
2020.
[3] Yinghao Sun, Y. Frank Cheng, Hydrogen-induced degradation of
high-strength steel pipeline welds: A critical review, Eng. Fail. Anal, All sustaining
133 (2022) 105985.
[4] M.B. Djukic, G.M. Bakic, V. Sijacki Zeravcic, A. Sedmak, B. Rajicic, members receive
The synergistic action and interplay of hydrogen embrittlement
mechanisms in steels and iron: Localized plasticity and decohesion,
Eng. Frac. Mech., 216 (2019) 106528–106561.
a 15% discount
[5] Yinghao Sun, Y. Frank Cheng, Thermodynamics of spontaneous
dissociation and dissociative adsorption of hydrogen molecules and
hydrogen atom adsorption and absorption on steel under pipelining
https://jobs.icorr.org/
conditions, Int. J. Hydrogen Energy, 46 (2021) 34469-34486.
For more information contact
[6] G. Golisch, G. Genchev, E. Wanzenberg, J. Mentz, H. Brauer, E. Muth
mann, D. Ratke, Application of line pipe and hot induction bends in Jonathan Phillips on
hydrogen gas, J. Pipeline Sci. Eng., 2 (2022) 100067.
0114 273 0132 or email
[7] M.A.V. Devanathan, Z. Stachurski, The adsorption and diffusion of
electrolytic hydrogen in palladium, Proc. Royal Soc., A270 (1962) 90- jonathan@squareone.co.uk
102.

www.icorr.org November/December 2022 23

Fellow’s Corner
Recognising “hidden” formicary
(ant nest) corrosion
Formicary, [1] or ant-nest corrosion [2] – based upon the similarity of
substrate damage with an ant’s nest (Figure 1) – dates back about fifty
years. [3,4]. Formicary corrosion is a rapid acting process involving the
conjoint presence of oxygen (air), moisture and a weak organic acid. It
may be regarded as a “hidden” phenomenon because, (a) it is unknown
to those who have not experienced it first-hand, and (b) it is challenging
to identify, because the surface pin hole leak sites are often so fine that
they are not visible to the unaided eye (Figure 2). Generally considered
unique to copper, this insidious form of internal corrosion (Figure 1)
comprises of micro-pitting networks (akin to tunnels) [5,6] that can fully
penetrate small bore tubing in weeks, not years. Pin holes that occur on
the outer or inner diameter surfaces are commonly surrounded by zones
of discoloured copper, ranging from dull gray/black to red/brown or
purple hues (Figure 2). Refrigeration-grade copper tubing, [7] used
throughout the HVAC industry, was ravaged for decades (Figure 3) and
10% of all premature failures were attributed to formicary corrosion.[8]
Full section perforation via formicary “tunnels”. 150X Unique “ant”.
Figure 1: Through-wall formicary corrosion and detail of local “ant”.
red/brown/purple hues on copper surface.
Figure 2: Tiny pin hole leak location.
Photomicrographs from different manufacturers; depth of polishing affects the visible
spread of damage shown.
Figure 3: Formicary corrosion common to all HVAC coil manufacturers.
[9] As-polished.
Copper used in other applications, including heat pumps,
dehumidifiers, air coolers, heat exchangers, freezers, and chiller
units, can experience formicary corrosion. Identical penetrating
attack observed under coatings, lagging, sealant contact, and
insulated copper piping, is typically the result of wet conditions and
compounds that hydolyse to form carboxylic acids, or other chemical
sources, including chlorinated organic compounds (trichlorethane,
trichloethylene, etc.), and hydrolysis products from the decomposition
of esters, aldehydes and alcohols (carbonyls).
24 November/December 2022 www.icorr.org
Mechanism of formicary corrosion
Extensive research by the Japanese Copper Development Association
[10,11] showed that formicary corrosion occurs when certain residual
organic compounds degrade in the simultaneous presence of air and
moisture, to produce carboxylic acids, such as formic, acetic, propionic and
buteric acids. This finding was pertinent to the HVAC industry (Figure3),
where synthetic lubricating oils used for forming coils, and degreasers/
detergent cleaners, contained such compounds.
The general mechanism involves a micro anode, where dissolved copper
ions combine with carboxylic acids (HCOOO-) to form an unstable cuprous
complex Cu(CHOO), which is oxidised to form cupric formate, acetate,
etc., 2Cu(CHOO)2 (cuprous complex) and cuprous oxide (Cu2O).
Microcracks with localised intergranular attack, caused by a wedging effect
from the volume expansion in forming the cuprous complex and cuprous
oxide [6,12] initiate at weaknesses along the corrosion pit wall, exposing
more surfaces of copper to perpetuate the advancing corrosion process.
Recognising formicary corrosion
Once the locations of the fine pinholes are found – by water immersion
pressure testing, macroscopy, or both – optical microscopy will confirm if the
images display the unique metallography of the formicary tunnels (Figures 1,
3), which are significantly different from the smooth hemispherical contours
associated with general pitting corrosion of copper (Figure 4).
500X
General pitting by halides (chlorides, fluorides). Comparison from coil manufacturer’s
report[9]. Subsurface tunnels of formicary corrosion.
Figure 4: Contrasting the two most cited common forms of coil corrosion.
As industries have become more familiar with the causes of formicary
corrosion, the frequency of leaks has fallen. Research [13]1 sponsored
by the Air Refrigeration Technology Institute (ARTI), to develop a
reproducible screening method to determine the mechanisms and effects
of corrosion,[14] resulted in a hydrolytic stability test, which uses ion
chromatography to ensure that lubricant drawing oils and finning lubricants
are free of carboxlic species. A separate pre-screening hexane rinse of
copper tubing, provides evidence of residues with carboxylic species
identified using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Several
HVAC equipment manufacturers have made material and design changes,
including, tin-plated copper hair pins and tubing less prone to attack,
ductless AC units with moisture filters, and all-aluminium tubing and
fin construction.
Currently, indoor coil leak failures by formicary corrosion have been
attributed to energy- efficient buildings with decreased ventilation that
promulgate higher concentration levels of carboxylic acids from building
materials, woods, adhesives, disinfectants, cleaning solvents, vinegar
seasonings, liquid smoke, cosmetics, etc.
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Selected examples of formicary corrosion leakages presented herein,
include, HVAC coils with pin holes on the outer (OD) or inner (ID)
diameter surfaces (Figures 5, 6), and a heat exchanger from a fabrication
shop (Figure 7).
Removing aluminium fins to expose tiny holes. Soapy bubbles locate miniscule holes by
immersion testing with nitrogen.
Figure 5: OD attack in HVAC coil promoted
by cleaning/disinfecting wipes containing
ethanol, propanol, and a propionate (a
carboxylic specie).
OD-initiated formicary intrusions in defect-free copper.
ID of split tube with purple/red-brown surface film. pin hole in purple/red-brown surface
film.
Figure 6: ID attack in HVAC tubing by
detergent or degreaser contaminated
with carboxylic specie. The tube
was drawn using lube oil free from
carboxylic acids.
ID-initiated formicary intrusions in defect-free copper.
Open end of heat exchanger. Pin hole in purple/red-brown surface film on ID of tube.
Figure 7: ID attack in enhanced copper
tubing in a heat exchanger bundle from
a fabrication shop. Surface products
contained carboxylic (formate) species.
ID-initiated coarse formicary tunnel in defect-free copper.
Fellow’s Corner
Pin holes in copper are not always formicary
corrosion
Some examples of formicary corrosion have been presented in the previous
paragraphs, with brief comments about how it can be assessed and
generally avoided by using screening tests on the copper tubing and of
the contact environment. Presented In the following paragraphs are some
examples where pin holes were wrongly ascribed to formicary corrosion.
• Failed HVAC installation – pin holes found following about 2 to 3 years
service were claimed by the coil supplier[15] to display the “worst case of
formicary corrosion ever seen”. They were incorrect. The observed damage
(Figure 8), and the optical photomicrographs (Figure 9), show no micro-
pitting networks – the chacteristic feature for formicary corrosion.
From left to right. Bubbles show leaks. Aluminium fins stripped to access copper
sample. Macro of pinholes on the OD surface.
Close up of OD pinhole leak and surrounding small pits.
Figure 8: Pin hole and other localised pits in one of many HVAC indoor coils.
Detail of OD leak location. As polished. 80X
Figure 9: Through-wall leak location coincides with a repeating geometric pattern
of smooth hemispherical pits aligned with the aluminium fin locations.
The leak locations along the copper tubing appear to be associated with the
design and assembly of the ceiling-mounted units. The repeating geometric
pattern of hemispherical- shaped wastage zones close to, or in direct contact
with, the aluminium fins, (Figure 9) suggests a modified form of Rosette
corrosion,[16] combined with crevice corrosion,[17] and galvanic attack.
[18] The additional pitting in the vicinity of the through-wall leaks (Figure 8) is
indicative of some form of synergy between these processes.
Rosette corrosion is a somewhat recently recognised corrosion
phenomenon,[19] which was encountered in copper hot water cylinders
fitted with aluminium anodes. The anodes were installed to prevent type
1 pitting corrosion and was very successfully applied for over 30 years.
[20] However, corrosion failures were occurring at the bottom of these
cylinders where the water was cooler. This phenomenon was attributed to
the interaction of the copper-aluminium galvanic couple [21] and certain
impurities in the water that generated reducing species that led to the
corrosion at the bottom of the cylinders. This form of corrosion has been
essentially eradicated in the United Kingdom, when specifications disallowed
the use of aluminium protector rods in 2002.[22] The removal of the
aluminium anode and a redesign of the hot water cylinders eliminated the
cold bottom thus promoting the growth of a semi-protective corrosion layer.
continues on page 26
www.icorr.org November/December 2022 25
Fellow’s Corner
• Formicary corrosion by contact with sealant – accounting for a
blue discoloration surrounding a usually white-colored acoustic sealant
(Figure 10), a recent publication wrongly implied that tube failure by
formicary corrosion and environmentally assisted cracking (EAC) from such
contact was probable. [23] Long-term simulation testing with high relative
humidities and temperatures showed this was most unlikely.[24] Without
a sustained presence of air and moisture, through-wall penetration by
formicary corrosion – a rapid process, as noted earlier – is not expected.
Mechanical laps from tube-forming (Figure 10) were wrongly interpreted as
EAC with formicary corrosion. This matter was addressed nine years ago,
[25] the blue discoloration was nothing more than an aesthetic issue.
Blue-stained white sealant; 18 months in service. Superficial etch stains on copper with
sealant removed.
Shallow surface laps under sealant. As polished. 500x. Shallow surface laps remote from
sealant. 500x
OD – longitudinal surface lap.Photomicrograph of surface laps.Schematics of OD and ID
laps.
Figure 10, Blue-stained sealant on copper tubing in hospital installation and shallow
surface laps [26] misinterpreted as EACs and the initiation of formicary corrosion.
Discussion and conclusions
Formicary corrosion is regarded as a subsurface network of microscopic-
corroded tunnels that are considerably larger than the tiny pin holes they
connect to, [27] which presents a challenge to those who are aware of the
“usual” localised phenomenon of pitting corrosion,which ranked fourth
from seven common sources of copper tube corrosion based on over 1,500
investigations over 25 years in domestic water systems. [28] This source
noted that all can be mitigated cost-effectively provided that, water quality is
maintained, copper tube systems are properly designed and installed, and
systems are operated within design parameters.
Formicary corrosion may be active if:
• fluids leak in weeks or months.
• surface zones of discoloured copper (dull gray/black to red/brown or
purple hues) are evident.
• copper exposed to air (oxygen), moisture and a weak organic acid, e.g.,
carboxylic acids, (formic, acetic, propionic, buteric).
• copper exposed to other chemical sources, including chlorinated
organic compounds and hydrolysis products from decomposition of
esters, aldehydes and alcohols (carbonyls).
• wet conditions persist under coatings, lagging, sealant contact, and
insulated piping with compouds that hydrolyse to form carboxylic
acids.
26 November/December 2022 www.icorr.org
Success in dealing with formicary corrosion, like many other forms of
corrosion, is dependent on knowing what it is; knowing how to recognise
it; knowing what causes it; and focusing on control, rather than elimination –
the realistic goal. [30]
Acknowledgements
The author kindly acknowledges the contributions of Mr. Fred Sherman,
Sr. Materials Analyst, for his meticulous contributions to the metallography
and laboratory testing, and Mr. Brad Krantz, VP of Laboratory Services, for
support and access to Corrosion Testing Laboratories, Newark DE.
References
1. “For-mi-car-y”: from Medieval Latin, Formica ‘ant’, defined as a nest of ants
or an anthill, Oxford Dictionary.
2. S. Yamauchi, K. Nagata, S. Sato, M. Shimono, J. Japanese Copper & Brass
Research Assocn., 22, p.132, (1981).
3. J.O. Edwards, R.J. Hamilton, J.B. Gilmore, Materials Performance, NACE
International, 16, 9, p.18, (1977).
4. J. M. Keyes, International Copper Research Association Symposium,
Belgium, June (1965).
5. P. Elliott, R.A. Corbett, “Ant Nest Corrosion – Exploring the Labyrinth”,
Corrosion Reviews, 19, No. 1, p.1-14, (2001).
6. R.A. Corbett, P. Elliott, “Digging the Tunnels”, Corrosion Reviews, 20, No.
2, p.51-66, (2002).
7. DHP copper, alloy C122, UNS C12200, 99.90% copper, ASTM B280.
8. Go Isobe et al, NACE Corrosion Asia, Paper 105, Singapore, September
(1992).
9. Carrier Corporation, Industry Research Reports “Indoor Coil Corrosion”
(2007 to 2011).
10. T. Notoya, T. Hamamoto, K. Kawano, Corrosion Engineering (Japan), 367,
2, p.1, (1988).
11. T. Notoya, “Localized “Ant Nest” Corrosion of Copper Tubing and
Preventive Measures”,Materials Performance, NACE International, 32, 5,
p.53, (1993).
12 D. M. Bastidas, I. Caynela, J.M. Bastidas, CENIM – National Centre for
Metallurgical Research, CSIC, Avda, Madrid, Spain, “Ant-nest corrosion
of copper tubing in air-conditioning units”, Revista de Metalurgia, 42 (5)
September/October, p.367-381, (2006).
13. Air Refrigeration Technology Institute (ARTI), Report, 21-CR Research Project
611-50055, R. A. Corbett, Corrosion Testing Laboratory, Newark, DE, with
input from P. Elliott and T. Notoya, (2003).
14. R.A. Corbett, “The Development of a Reproducible Screening Method
to Determine the Mechanisms and Effects of Organic Acids and other
Contaminants on Corrosion of Aluminium-finned copper tube Heat
Exchanger Coils, Corrosion 2004, Paper 04321, NACE International,
New Orleans, LA, (2004).
15. Private communication.
16. Rosette corrosion – the premature failure of copper hot-water cylinders
fitted with aluminium rods to prevent Type 1 copper pitting: R.J. Oliphant,
Journal of Chartered Institute of Water & Environmental Management, UK,
vol 14, p. 207, July (2007). R.J. Oliphant, Causes of Copper Corrosion in
Plumbing Systems, Foundation for Water Research Review, FR/R0007, May
(2003).
17. Crevice corrosion – localised corrosion of a metal or alloy surface at,
or immediately adjacent to, an area shielded from full exposure to the
environment because of close proximity of the metal or alloy to the surface
of another material or an adjacent surface of the same metal or alloy.
NACE/ASTM G193-12d, Standard Terminology & Acronyms Relating to
Corrosion, (2010).
 Fellow’s Corner
18. Galvanic corrosion – accelerated metal corrosion because of electrical
contact with a more noble metal or nonmetallic conductor in a corrosive
environment. NACE/ASTM G193-12d, Standard Terminology & Acronyms
Relating to Corrosion, (2010).
19. R. Francis, Corrosion of Copper and its Alloys: A Practical Guide for
Engineers, NACE International, (2010).
20. R.J. Oliphant, Journal of Chartered Institute of Water & Environmental
Management, UK, vol 14,p. 207, July (2007).

For all the

21. V.F. Lacey, British Corrosion Jnl., 7, p.36, (1972).
22. P. Munn, Causes of Copper Corrosion in Plumbing Systems,3rdEdition,
Report FR/R0007, Foundation for Water Research September, (2017).
23. K. Steiner, “Formicary Corrosion and EAC of Copper Tubes in Contact with
Building Sealant”, AMPP Annual Conference, Paper No.17846, AMPP, San
latest news,
Antonio, TX, (2022).27.
24. P. Elliott, “Blue-Stained Sealants Do Not Imply Catastrophic Corrosion events and
debates
of Medical-Grade Copper Piping”, Materials Performance, NACE
International, 52, 6, p.57, (2013).
25. ibid.
26. Laps sourced from: ASM International, Volume No. 11, Failure Analysis &
Prevention, Failures Related to Metalworking, p.82, (2002); Rollason E.C., join us on
Metallurgy for Engineers, 4th Ed., Edward Arnold, p. 62, (1973).
27. A.H. Brothers, Mainstream Engineering, Rockledge, Fl – internet search.
28. J. R. Myers and A. Cohen, “Copper-Tube Corrosion in Domestic-Water
Systems”, HPA Engineering: Supplement, June, (2005).
29.P. Elliott, “Fight Formicary Corrosion”, Chemical Processing, p. 37,
November (2005).
Peter Elliott

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Institute News
Technical Article

Fabric Maintenance of
the United Kingdom’s
Oil & Gas (mature)
Infrastructure
Chris Fyfe, FICorr

As the UK(s) Oil & Gas industry reaches maturity, operators with facilities with a known end of
field life may look to conduct their maintenance activities using a reactive approach, whereby,
the performance criteria for coatings may be defined for a specific period of time. With this
approach, a defined-life coating repair, where a coating only needs to perform for a given
number of years may be more advantageous to the end users.

continues on page 24

28 November/December
November/December2022
2022www.icorr.org
www.icorr.org

Due to having no track record, many of the coatings selected nowadays
for maintenance interventions are tested with accelerated test methods
designed for new build projects where durability and first maintenance
expectations, can run for many years. However, the substrate condition
on an aging facility, and the coating life requirements can be significantly
different from the coating manufacturer’s understanding of what is
actually required by the end user.
Additionally, with the advent of more stringent occupational hygiene
requirements, that limit the use of volatile organic compounds (VOC)
and restrict the use of heavy metals, many of the original coatings are no
longer available, so like-for-like repairs are restricted.
Fabric Maintenance (FM) costs contribute a significant proportion of
the facility operational expenditure (OPEX), and arguably the most
expensive aspect of any FM campaign, with the exception of access,
is undoubtedly surface preparation. The accepted best method of
surface preparation before applying a protective coating is abrasive blast
cleaning, however this involves challenges when considering offshore
facilities, and these are listed below (however it should be understood
that this list is not exhaustive).
1. Masking and sheeting (habitats) to protect any sensitive equipment.
2. Hire cost of compressors and blasting units.
3. Mobilisation charges for equipment, and if mobilised to unmanned
installation can end up on hire well after the project has completed.
4. Blast media recovery for disposal.
5. Area isolated from other disciplines.
6. Good housekeeping, and clean-up requirements that can impact
productive working hours.
Therefore, it could be argued that removing the need for abrasive
blasting could significantly reduce costs, and at the same time increase
productivity.
To address the surface preparation issue, many coating manufacturers
and to some extent, maintenance contractors promote the use of
so-called “surface tolerant” systems. But what is meant by, or what is,
a “surface tolerant” coating, and what advantages and disadvantages
may be encountered by not abrasive blasting before the application of
coatings?
It is widely accepted that any coating is only as good as the surface
it’s applied to, and it’s reasonable to assume that any lesser degree of
preparation would inevitably result in a reduced level of coating life. That
being said, if a defined-life coating repair was acceptable, then would a
reduced level of surface cleaning be okay, and should it be considered?
Justifications to move away from blasting.
1. An intervention or barge campaign may be scheduled, therefore a
defined-life coating repair may be sufficient to manage defects until
that time.
2. The area of the facility where maintenance coatings are to be applied
may be planned to be mothballed or decommissioned.
3. Further monitoring as part of a written scheme of examination [1]
could be used to monitor defined life coating.
There are numerous reasons why a coating may not need to have a high
durability, and it is therefore understandable why a reduced level of
surface preparation may be seen as advantageous, but the degradation
rate of the defined-life coating, and reduction in coating life needs to be
understood.
Technical Article
Other advantages of moving away from abrasive blasting include, high
productivity for small locations <200m2, and reduced waste disposal.
However, the disadvantages of not using abrasive blasting include:
• A reduced level of coating longevity may result in an increase in
recorded defects sooner than anticipated.
• Increase in hand and vibrating arm syndrome (HAVAs), monitoring
required for all mechanical methods of cleaning.
• Excessive metal loss from the use of rotating brushes or flapper discs
due to unknown operator force or pressure, and the duration held in
position may result in metal loss.
• Some mechanical cleaning methods can generate sparks.
• Mechanical cleaning can contaminate the surrounding area with
metal filings that cause unsightly rust rashing, and may cause cross-
contamination of stainless steels and alloys, therefore, sheeting and
masking or even negative pressure habitats may be required.
Figure 1: Some typical examples of cross-contamination from grinding.
Surface preparation
FM activities typically take place on corroded surfaces, often with
voluminous rust (see figure 2), and as current mechanical cleaning tools
can’t productively remove this rust [1] without hand tool pre-work, means
their effectiveness is impaired and therefore, it could be argued mechanical
methods should be limited to a CAT A surface preparation (see below for
explanation) and restricted to small localised area of <200m2.
This article does not suggest that there is a need for new surface
preparation standards, however, it does recognise that the industry lacks
an understanding of the relationship between surface cleaning, adhesion
assessments and weather (durability) cycling, as all three tests need
reviewing collectively to fully understand coating longevity. Manufacturers,
distributers, or contractors, that present any data independently to support
this, should be challenged.
Coating selection
Surface tolerant coatings were originally intended for touch-up locations
such as remedial repairs and small defects during new build applications.
Their use in maintenance situations has become more widely accepted
potentially because of their “surface tolerant” claim. However, some surface
tolerant systems can be high cross-linking and therefore, can be become
brittle over time. Although these systems appear to be the silver bullet, even
when applied of over a blasted surface, they can fail early. Therefore, should
these systems be applied on a less than sufficiently cleaned surface the
failure mechanism may be accelerated. But what is sufficient, and how long
will the coating last before it starts to degrade?
Passive Fire Protection (PFP) can present additional issues. PFP imparts
large stresses on the substrate during cure, due to the high crosslinking
nature of the system. Should these systems be installed at height, on a lesser
prepared surface, then it is possible for these systems to detach in service
and develop into a dropped object hazard.[2]
continues on page 30
www.icorr.org November/December 2022 29
Institute News
Technical Article
Therefore, unless the manufacturer can demonstrate pre-fire durability,
both adhesively with testing after product cure, and that they have passed
an accelerated cyclic weather test, then are they truly surface tolerant, and
should they be installed on subjectively prepared surfaces?
Additionally, most if not all epoxy passive fire protection systems have water-
soluble pigments, therefore, if installed without a top coat, an additional
water uptake assessment should be carried out to understand if the fire
performance has been impaired through loss of active pigments.

Performance testing of coatings Figure 2: Examples of surface conditions.

The coating manufacturing industry is still testing coatings with salt fog
(static) assessments such as ASTM B117, and claiming their systems Assessment and reporting tools for coating/substrate
have been tested and passed suitable durability testing! However, as condition
the maintenance coating system will inevitably see cyclic weather and
There are a number of standards that may be used for the assessment of
operational conditions, a static fog spray test doesn’t subject the coating to
coating degradation, BS EN SO 4628-parts 2-5 (figure 3) is one that is
events it will see in service.
commonly used. However, as with the other standards, the degradation
mechanism is usually limited to the coating and light surface rust, there is no
Therefore, a static fog spray assessment may fall significantly short of giving
reference to metal loss. As many FM intervention programmes not only deal
confidence in defining the coating’s durability range.
with failing coatings, and in many instances, high levels of corrosion that
may result in parent metal loss, asset owners and operators have developed
During coating selection, the manufacturer or coating distributor, should
their own proprietary methods of assessment.
present test data that demonstrates their understanding of the conditions
their coating is being expected to operate under, such as external weather
A snapshot of the methods used is shown in figure 4, however, for further
stresses, process heat fluctuations, permeating moisture, and taking into
understanding see the Energy Institute [3] guidelines for the management of
consideration the internal coating stresses their product undergoes
coatings for external corrosion protection.
during cure.

As fabric maintenance departments are increasingly challenged to improve

productivity rates and close out more defects that are being raised, the
focus on alternative methods of surface preparation continues to increase.
It is, therefore, becoming more apparent that a table of coating longevity,
when coatings are applied to different methods of surface cleaning (an
example is given below), is required and this can only be achieved with a
test protocol for maintenance systems, for example, the durability range
could consider a degree of acceptable coating breakdown (Ri scale).

Anticipated Coating Life.

An understanding of ageing infrastructure and its

substrate condition
When we talk about fabric maintenance (of coatings) on an ageing facility,
the surface conditions differ greatly from those seen on new build projects,
and the coating breakdown is only one aspect of the challenge, voluminous
rust, surface pitting, and process equipment with wall thinning are all
contributing factors to be taken into consideration.

Although, ISO 8501-2 goes someway into distinguishing between new

build and maintenance, it still falls short of these challenges.

Figure 3.
30 November/December
November/December2022
2022www.icorr.org
www.icorr.org

Figure 4.
Discussion
Therefore, because an Ri5/ CAT D defect may need a defined life structural
(wrap) repair due to metal loss or even that the component may need to
be replaced, could arguably mean that a Ri5/ CAT D assessment would be
outside the discussion of this paper.
Integrity wrap repairs are qualified to their own test protocols and legislative
standards. The certificate of conformity for the wrap would be issued with an
understanding that the areas to be wrapped were abrasively blast cleaned.
Therefore, should a move to lesser forms of surface cleaning be considered
then the wrap manufacturer and installer would need to be consulted to
understand if any impairment to wrap performance could result?
A Ri5 /CAT C defect may fall into the category for an FM intervention, but
given the severity of the defect i.e. 2-5 mm of metal loss, the defect would
be best maintained with processes and systems where coating longevity is
less subjective. Additional, given the thickness of corrosion build-up i.e. 6-10
mm, a mechanical preparation method would not be suitable for effective
preparation without some sort of pre-cleaning activity.
Integrity inspections on live plant, where voluminous corrosion is present,
requires the corrosion to be removed. Should the corrosion be loose and
Visit the ICATS website
www.icats-training.org
Technical Article
friable then it is possible, with intelligent use of hand tools, that the Integrity
Inspector can remove it. However, should the corrosion be tight and
compact then only light controlled sweeping with abrasive blast media has
been shown to be effective.
Ri5/CAT B defects can be numerous throughout an ageing facility and these
defects may fall into an area of acceptance for a lesser degree of surface
preparation, however, even then the coating would need to be qualitative
in that a degree of understanding of coating longevity would need to be
known. Remedial repairs with an unknown, or short life expectancy, can
add to inspection burdens and inevitably increase recorded defects in the
facility’s database.
Integrity plant inspections are scheduled at predetermined intervals as part
of the facility’s written scheme of examination (WSE). Defects on critical
structures, safety, or plant production critical components, need a qualitative
level of understanding to know when the next inspection frequency should
be set.
An Ri5/CAT A defect would most likely be seen as an area where
mechanical preparation could be used however, these defects are not
typically executed but rather monitored.
www.icorr.org November/December 2022 31
Institute News
Technical Article
Summary
Salt spray and adhesion assessments presented in isolation are not sufficient
for coating life assessments, and unless coatings are tested on aged,
corroded, and pitted substrates with a cyclic accelerated test method, then
realistic coating life prediction is not possible.
Therefore, this paper highlights the need for Industry users to challenge their
coating manufacturers, supplies and coating contractors, to present the
relevant cyclic test data.
References
1. Written scheme of examination see, https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/
indg178.pdf
2. DROPS Calculator - Dropsonline.org. https://www.dropsonline.org/
resources-and-guidance/drops-calculator/
3. https://publishing.energyinst.org/topics/asset-integrity/corrosion/
guidelines-for-the-management-of-coatings-for-external-corrosion-
protection

Proposed test protocol for ageing test panels before

surface preparation and subsequent cyclic testing
In order to simulate aged surfaces, and so that each manufacturer tests on
representative surfaces, the panels should be weathered before being used
to test coatings.

The relevant international standards will give guidance on the reporting

methods, but as a minimum, it is recommended that photos of weathered
and post cleaning are included in final testing reports.

All testing should be carried out at independent testing houses.

Test panel preparation.

Proposed test protocol for Surface Tolerant coatings.

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Proposed test protocol for Epoxy Passive Fire Protection.

• Offshore or onshore coastal

our website
or on social
All environmental testing should be performed without a cosmetic top
coat, and all testing should be undertaken by a third party accredited
independent facility, and the fire performance / thermal cycling

media for all

performance witnessed by a classification/verification authority.

the latest news

• For onshore industrial

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32 November/December
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 Technical Article

Knowledge Transfer, and how

it can help young engineers
Izabela Gajewska, P&IA Intertek
Izabela is the “Young ICorr” industry representative of the NW Branch of the Institute,
and this short article is based on her presentation at the CED symposium earlier
this year.
Knowledge transfer (KT) is a term used to
encompass a broad range of activities,
and can be defined in many ways.
Looking through the Internet, the most
accurate definitions of KT are as follows:

• KT is a method of sharing information,

abilities and ideas across different areas
in the business.

• KT is a process by which experienced

employees share or distribute their
knowledge, skills and behaviours to
the employees replacing them.

• KT should equip new employees with

the skills and competencies they need
to reach key organisational goals.

In a workplace, effective KT, like any

other goal, requires a good plan
addressing what knowledge is to be
transferred, what the available methods
of sharing the knowledge are, and how
knowledge acquisition by an employee
can be measured. Nevertheless,
KT is also about the development of
competencies in young engineers and
positive engagement, and there is a great
importance of personal competency
when undertaking engineering tasks.
Whatever project these employees
undertake they should be competent to
do. This does not mean that they should
not commence a project without the
required knowledge, otherwise they
would not be able to gain experience in
anything, but it requires them to identify
their limitations and take the necessary
actions.
By understanding their limitations, they
can plan and propose a solution to
overcome them. Once a competency gap
is identified some of the following actions
can be proposed:
• Finding a competent person to
undertake the task and ask them to do
it, Alternatively, and especially relevant
for less experienced engineers that are
on a learning path in their career, they
can take actions by;
• Starting on a training, learning new
subjects/tasks and gaining relevant
knowledge, as part of the Continuous
Personal Development (CPD). In this
case it must be ensured that.
o Appropriate mentoring from competencies they need to reach key
competent senior staff is in place.
o There is a competent person all the employee’s limitations and any
supervising their work activities
during the work – to check,
approve, authorise.
o Ensure a quality assurance
process is in place, clearly defined,
and followed by everyone.
The common approaches to KT in
many companies are, work experience,
mentoring sessions, encouraging
familiarisation with standards and
technical books relevant to the job
position, and performed activities,
training courses, e-learning, as well
as technical meetings, webinars and
conferences recommended by the
company.
To sum up, KT should equip new
employees with the skills and
organisational and personal goals. In
order to make the KT effective, first of
competency gaps should be identified,
follow by planning a solution to
overcome them, which should address
what knowledge is required to be
transferred, what the available methods
of sharing the knowledge are, and clearly
defined quality assurance process. As
an employee, in order to achieve the
greatest output of work, it is worth
putting yourself out of your comfort zone,
being proactive, not be afraid to ask for
help when needed, and integrate all of
the available different approaches to KT.

www.icorr.org November/December 2022 33

Company Members
The Institute values the support of the companies and organisations who are Corporate or Sustaining Members.
A detailed listing of these members is published annually as a stand-alone supplement to the January/
February issue of Corrosion Management, and a regularly up-dated searchable listing is published on the
Institute’s website.
CORPORATE MEMBER
COMPANIES
BP
FLEXITALLIC co.uk www.volkerlaser.co.uk
Scandinavia Mill, Hunsworth Lane, Cleckheaton
BD19 4LN Tel: 01274 851 273
Email: contactus@flexitallic.eu www.flexitallic.com
Kingfisher House, Radford Way, Billericay, Essex, CM12 0EQ
INTERNATIONAL PAINT LTD Email: Dimitrios.mamalopoulos@cescor.co.uk
Tel: 01277 650697 Email: info@ground-control.co.uk
International Paint Ltd, Stoneygate Lane, Gateshead,
Web: www.ground-control.co.uk
Tyne and Wear England, NE10 0JY
CARBOLINE
Unit 2, Dorsey Way, Leicester, LE19 4DB
GOLD SUSTAINING
MEMBER COMPANIES
CATHODIC PROTECTION
CONSULTANCY SERVICES
SGK
Technoparkstr 1, Zurich 8005, Switzerland
Tel: +41 44 2131590 Email: sgk@sgk.ch
CATHODIC PROTECTION
AND MONITORING
BAC
Stafford Park 11, Telford TF3 3AY, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1952 290321 Email: sales@bacgroup.com
www.bacgroup.com
CATHODIC PROTECTION CO LIMITED
Venture Way, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 7XS,
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1476590666 Email:sales@cathodic.co.uk
3C CORROSION CONTROL COMPANY AB
Box 324, 23 Landskrona, Sweden
Tel: +46 418 411 900 Fax: +46 418 411 935
Email: info@3ccc.se Website: www.3ccc.se
CORROSION CONTROL INCORPORATED
494 Fairplay Street, Rutledge, Georgia 30663, USA
Tel: +706 557 9624 Email: engineering@
corrosioncontrolinc.com
CORROSION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
EUROPE LTD
11 & 12 Merlin Park, Mildenhall, Suffolk IP28 7RD
Tel: 01638 711955 Fax: 01638 711953
Email: enquirieseu@ctsonline.com www.ctsonline.com
CORRPRO COMPANIES EUROPE LTD
Adam Street, Bowesfield Lane, Stockton On Tees, Cleveland
Tel: 44(0) 1642 614 106 Fax: +44(0) 1642 614 100
Email: ccel@corrpro.co.uk www.corrpro.co.uk
INTERPROVINCIAL CORROSION CONTROL
CO. LTD
930 Sheldon Court, Burlington, Ontario L7L 5K6, Canada
Tel: 905-634-7751 Email: contact@rustrol.com
www.rustrol.com
MAPEI UK LTD
Mapei House, Steel Park Road, Halesowen B62 8HD
Tel: 0121 5086970 Email: info@mapei.co.uk
www.mapei.co.uk
MGDUFF INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
1 Timberline Estate, Gravel Lane, Quarry Lane, Chichester,
West Sussex, PO19 2FJ
Tel: +44 (0) 1243 533336 Fax: +44 (0) 1234 533422
Email: sales@mgduff.co.uk www.mgduff.co.uk
MILLER FABRICATIONS LTD
Overtown Road, Waterloo, Wishaw, Scotland, ML2 8EW
Tel: 01698 373 770 www.millerfabrications.com
34 November/December 2022 www.icorr.org
OES GROUP LTD
Unit 12, 6 Amos Ayre Place, South Shields NE34 9PE
SUSTAINING MEMBER
Tel: 0191 7316010 Email:rforsyth@oesgroupltd.com
www.oesgroupltd.com
COMPANIES
VOLKERLASER CATHODIC PROTECTION
The Lodge, Blackpole Road, Worcester, WR4 9FH
Tel: +44 (0)800 022 3292 Email: enquiries@volkerlaser. CONSULTANCY SERVICES
BEASY
Tel: 02380 293223 www.beasy.com
COATING APPLICATOR
GROUND CONTROL LTD CESCOR UK LTD
Tel: 0208 996 5111
CORROSION ENGINEERING
OWENS CORNING FOAMGLAS® INDUSTRY SOLUTIONS LTD
31-35 Kirby Street, Hatton Garden, London, EC1N 8TE Tel: 01442 767 899 www.corrosionengineering.co.uk
Tel: 07789 507094 Email: kevin.bauld@owenscorning.com
SEGCORR LTD
CONSULTING TESTING Tel: 07484838232 Email: paul.segers@segcorr.com
AND INSPECTION
CATHODIC PROTECTION
AKAKUS OIL OPERATIONS
EL-Tahaddi Street (Airport Road), PO BOX 91987, AND MONITORING
Tripoli, Libya
AQUATEC GROUP LIMITED
Tel: 0021821-4802630 Email: lfituri@akakusoil.com
www.akakusoil.com Tel: 01256 416010 Email: inquiry@aquatecgroup.com
SGK CORRINTEC CATHELCO
Technoparkstr 1, Zurich 8005, Switzerland Tel: +44 (0) 1246 457900 www.cathelco.com
Tel: +41 44 2131590 Email: sgk@sgk.ch
CCSL
Tel: 01952 230900 www.corrosioncontrolservices.co.uk
SUPPLIERS COATINGS
CORROCONSULT UK LIMITED
CHEMCO INTERNATIONAL LTD Tel: 01952 740234 www.corroconsult.com
East Shawhead Ind. Est, Coatbridge, Scotland ML5 4XD
Tel: 01236 606060 www.chemcoint.com DEEPWATER EU LTD
Tel: +44 (0) 1483 600482 www.stoprust.com
DENSO (WINN & COALES DENSO LTD)
Denso House, Chapel Road, London SE27 0TR
DUVINE
Tel: 0208 670 7511 Fax: 0208 761 2456
Tel: +44 (0)1440 706777 www.duvine.co.uk
Email: mail@denso.net www.denso.net
HEMPEL UK LTD ICR INTEGRITY LTD
Berwyn House, The Pavillions, Cwmbran, Torfaen, South Tel: 01224 822822 www.icr.world.com
Wales, NP44 3FD, United Kingdom
Tel: 01633 874024 Fax: 01633 489012 IMPALLOY LTD
Email: sales@hempel.co.uk www.hempel.com Tel: 01922 714400 www.impalloy.com
JOTUN PAINTS (EUROPE) LTD METEC CATHODIC PROTECTION LIMITED
Stather Road, Flixborough, Scunthorpe, Tel: 0191 7316010 714411
North Lincolnshire DN15 8RR Email: sales@metecgroup.com
Tel: 01724 400 125 Fax: 01724 400 100
Email: enquiries@jotun.co.uk Web: www.jotun.co.uk OMNIFLEX UK LTD
Tel: 0161 491 4144 www.omniflex.com
PPG PROTECTIVE & MARINE COATINGS
Huddersfield Road, Birstall, Batley, West Yorkshire, PHOENIX CPC LTD
WF17 9XA Tel: 01924 354700 Tel: 07486076800 www.phoenixcpc.com
Email: PMCcustomerservice@ppg.com www.ppgpmc.com
PMAC Inspection Ltd
SHERWIN-WILLIAMS PROTECTIVE & MARINE Tel: 01224 703032
COATINGS
Tower Works, Kestor Street, Bolton, BL2 2AL, UK R&R CORROSION LTD
Tel: +44 (0)1204 521771 Email: enquiries.pm.emea@ Tel: 01358 729644 www.rrcorrosion.com
sherwin.com sherwin-williams.com/protectiveEMEA
SAITH LTD
SUPPLIERS GENERAL Tel: 01425 207555 www.saithlimited.com
HODGE CLEMCO
36 Orgreave Drive, Handsworth, Sheffield, S13 9NR
SILVION LIMITED
Tel: 01476 590932 www.silvion.co.uk
Tel: 0114 2540600 Email: sales@hodgeclemco.co.uk
www.hodgeclemco.co.uk SPECIALIST CASTING LTD
RYSCO INTERNATIONAL INC Tel: 0191 5108843 www.specialistcastings.com
101 – 8024 Edgar Industrial Cr Red Deer, Alberta, Canada,
T4P 3R3 Tel: +1 877 899 5988 VECTOR CORROSION TECHNOLOGIES
Email: tommy.mccann@ryscointernational.com Tel: 01384 671400 Email: davids@vector-corrosion.com
www.ryscocorrosion.com
SEM ENERGY LTD
Unit 17-19 Innovation Centre, Aberdeen Energy Park
Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, AB23 0GX Tel: 01224 900122
Email: kevin.leiper@sem.world www.sem.world/
SIG IRELAND
USIG House, Ballymount Retail Centre, Ballymount
Dublin, D24 ED81 Ireland Tel: 00353 1 6234541
Email: eoin_rylands@sig.ie www.sig.ie
COATING APPLICATORS TAZIKER INDUSTRIAL
Tel: 0844 8800 385 www.ti.uk.com
SCANGRIT
Tel: 01469 574715
ALFRED BAGNALL & SONS LTD Email: sales@scangrit.co.uk www.scangrit.co.uk
WEDGE GROUP GALVANIZING LTD
Tel: 01274 714800
Email: info@bagnalls.co.uk www.bagnalls.co.uk
Tel: 0845 271 6082 www.wedge-galv.co.uk
RECIPROCAL
APB GROUP LIMITED
WESCOTT INDUSTRIAL SERVICES LTD
Tel: 0191 497 5550 www.wescottis.com ORGANISATIONS
Tel: 01538 755377 www.apbgroup.co.uk
W G BEAUMONT & SON LTD ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD
AW RAIL SERVICES LTD Tel: 01708 749202 Tel: 01865 843000
Tel: 01303 257462
Email: tom.costello@wgbeaumont.co.uk INSTITUTE OF METAL FINISHING
BRIDGECOAT LTD Tel: 0121 6227387 www.uk-finishing.org.uk
Tel: 02392 666161 Email: info@bridgecoat.co.uk CONSULTING TESTING
CC INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES AND INSPECTION QUALITY CONTROL
Tel: 0845 685 01333 www.cc-is.co.uk ELCOMETER
AW CORROSION SOLUTIONS LTD Tel: +44 (0) 161 371 6000 www.elcometer.com
CORROSERVE Tel: 01732 700924
Tel: +44 (0) 113 2760 760 www.corroserve.com Email: enquiries@awcorrosion.co.uk TRAINING AND COATING
D.F. COATINGS LTD CAN
Tel: 02380 445634 Email: info@dfcoatings.co.uk Tel: 01224 870100 Fax: 01224 870101 www.cangroup.net
INSPECTORS
DYER & BUTLER LTD EQUILIBRANT LTD CORRODERE ACADEMY
Tel: 02380 742222 www.dyerandbutler.co.uk Tel: 01252 732220 www.corrodere.com
Tel: 02890 767227 www.equilibrant.co.uk
F A CLOVER & SON LTD ERIMUS INSULATION
Tel: 020 89486321 Email: ian@cloverpainting.com
Tel: 07968828825 www.erimusi.com
FIRESAFE SERVICES (NE) LIMITED HYDROCOMM LTD
Tel: 01670 351666 Email: info@firesafelimited.com Tel: 07779333781 Email: hydrocomm@btinternet.com
FORWARD PROTECTIVE COATINGS LTD HYDROSAVE UK LTD
Tel: 01623 748323 Email Pete@forwardpc.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1536 515110 www.hydrosave.co.uk
www.forwardpc.co.uk
LBBC BASKERVILLE
FOUNTAINS (PART OF THE OCS GROUP) Tel: 0113 2057423 www.bbcbaskerville.com
Tel: 07876 556197

Visit the
PAINT INSPECTION LIMITED
Email: Donovan.gosher@fountainsgroup.co.uk
Tel: 0845 4638680 www.paint-inspection.co.uk
HANKINSON PAINTING GROUP PLANT INTEGRITY MANAGEMENT LTD

ICATS
Tel: 0870 7892020
Email: Stephen.hankinson@hankinson.co.uk Tel: 01224 798870
Email: info@pim-ltd.com www.pim-ltd.com

website
HERRINGTON INDUSTRIAL SERVICES LTD SAFINAH LTD
Tel: 0191 516 0634 www.herringtonltd.co.uk
Tel: 01670 519900 Email: enquiries@safinah.co.uk
HRS RAIL LTD SONOMATIC LTD
Tel: 01797 329421 www.hrsrail.co.uk

JACK TIGHE LTD

Tel: 01925 414000 www.sonomatic.com www.icats-training.org
STEEL PROTECTION CONSULTANCY LTD
Tel: 01652 640003 Email: sales@jacktighe.com
Email: Wil.deacon@steel-protection.co.uk
JPV (PAINTERS) LTD www.steel-protection.co.uk
Tel: 01277 201515 www.jpvpainters.co.uk
SUPPLIERS COATINGS
KUE GROUP LIMITED
Tel: +44 (0)1274 721188 www.kuegroup.com CARBOLINE
Tel: +44 (0) 116 2697777 www.carboline.com
NUSTEEL STRUCTURES
Email: scott.arnold@nusteelstructures.com CORROCOAT
www.nusteelstructures.com Tel: +44 (0) 113 2760 760 www.corrocoat.com
HEXIGONE INHIBITORS LTD
OAG INTERNATIONAL UK LTD Tel: 01792 606494 www.hexigone.com

Visit us on
Tel: +44 (0) 151 318 6999 www.oag-group.com
INDESTRUCTIBLE PAINT LTD
PAINTEL LIMITED Tel: 0121 7022485 www.indestructible.co.uk
Tel: 01752 719701 www.paintel.co.uk

PIPERCREST LTD T/A HALLS SPECIALISED SUPPLIERS GENERAL our website

SERVICES
Tel: 01375 361408 www.hallsspecialisedservices.co.uk
ASCOTT ANALYTICAL EQUIPMENT LIMITED
Tel: 01827 318040 Email: hmorley@ascott-analytical.com or on social
media for all
SAFINAH LTD CORRODERE ACADEMY
Tel: 01670 519900 Email: enquiries@safinah.co.uk Tel: 01252 732220 www.protectivecoatingseurope.com
FUTURE PIPE LIMITED
SCA GROUP LIMITED
Tel: 01202 820820 www.sca-group.com
Tel: 0207 8388660 www.futurepipe.com
GMA GARNET (EUROPE) GMBH
the latest
SOLENT PROTECTIVE COATINGS LTD
Tel: 02380221480 Email: info@solentpc.co.uk
www.solentpc.co.uk
Tel: 01606 836223
INFRASTRUCTURE ANALYTICS LTD
Tel: 028 9532 0131 Email: info@ infrastructureanalytics.co.uk
news
SPECIALIST PAINTING GROUP LTD LAKE CHEMICALS & MATERIALS LTD
Tel: 01733 309500 www.specialistpaintinggroup.co.uk Tel: 01527 594630 Email: philip.collier@lakecm.co.uk Q www.icorr.org
SHUTDOWN MAINTENANCE SERVICES LIMITED LBBC BASKERVILLE www.twitter.com/instofcorrosion
Tel: 01634 256969 Tel: 0113 2057423 www.bbcbaskerville.com
www.linkedin.com/groups/4308333/
www.shutdownmaintenanceservices.co.uk LLEWELLYN RYLAND LTD
Tel: 0121 4402284 Email: research@llewellyn-ryland.co.uk www.facebook.com/icorradmin/
STANDISH METAL TREATMENT LTD www.instagram.com/institute_of_corrosion/
Tel: 01695 455977 Email: stuart.croft@standishmetal.co.uk PRESSERV LTD
Tel: 01224 772694 Email: stuart.rennie@presserv.com
SURFACE TECHNIK DUDLEY LIMITED
Tel: 1384 457610 www.surfacetechnik.co.uk
Institute Events
DIARY DATES 2022
BRANCH DATES
BRANCH CONTACT 12th January 2023 7th-8th March 2023

DIRECTORY London Branch

ABERDEEN:
Hooman Takhtechian (Chairman)
HTakhtechian@oceaneering.com
Email: icorrabz@gmail.com
Dr Nigel Owen (Secretary External)
Email: nowen0606@gmail.com
LONDON:
Polina Zabelina (Chair)
Steve Barke (Secretary)
Email: icorrlondon@gmail.com
MIDLANDS BRANCH:
Ashley Ingram
ashleyi@vector-corrosion.com
“Microbially Influenced Corrosion in
ICorr Coating Inspector, Levels 1 and 2, Practical
Workshop and Assessment
Oil & Gas Systems”
Kenneth Wunch, Lanxess, Houston.
31st January 2023
Aberdeen Branch, joint with the
Energy Institute
“New Solutions and Client Case Studies for
Intrusive Corrosion Modelling”
Roland Anderson, AXESS Corrosion
Visit the
21st February 2023
Aberdeen Branch ICorr website
“Digital Solutions for Asset Integrity
Management” for all the
latest news
Raza Amin, Ankaa Consulting

NORTH EAST: ADDITIONAL www.icorr.org

Matt Fletcher (Chair)
Email: matthew.fletcher@akzonobel.com DIARY DATES
16th March 2023
NORTH WEST:
ISO 15257 ICorr Level 4 Senior CP Engineer
Greg Brown (Chairman)
Examination; Corrosion House,
Email: greg.brown@mottmac.com Northampton

YORKSHIRE: ICorr Surface Treatment Inspector Courses,

Richard Green IMechE ARL, Sheffield

CSD DIVISION:
9th January 2023
Painting Inspector, Level 1
Visit the
Julian Wharton
Email: J.A.Wharton@soton.ac.uk 13th January 2023 ICATS
website
Painting Inspector, Level 3
CED DIVISION: 20th February 2023
Danny Burkle Painting Inspector, Level 1
Email: d.burkle@lbbcbaskerville.co.uk
6th March 2023 www.icats-training.org
Painting Inspector, Level 2

CP courses at the ICorr Training

Centre, Telford

6th-7th February 2023

Buried, Level 1

13th-16th February 2023

FOR ALL THE LATEST
CORROSION INDUSTRY
JOBS VISIT THE ICORR
JOB BOARD
www.jobs.icorr.org
For more information
contact Jonathan Phillips
on 0114 273 0132 or
email jonathan@squareone.co.uk
Concrete Level 2
Online ICorr Courses delivered by
Visit us on our
Corrodere plus online assessments and website or on
practical workshops
social media
10-11th January 2023
ICorr Coating Inspector, Levels 1 and 2, Practical
for all the
Workshop and Assessment latest news
1st -2nd February 2023 Q www.icorr.org
ICorr Coating Inspector, Level 3, Mandatory www.twitter.com/instofcorrosion
Workshop and Assessment www.linkedin.com/groups/4308333/
www.facebook.com/icorradmin/
7th-8th February 2023 www.instagram.com/institute_of_corrosion/
ICorr Coating Inspector, Levels 1 and 2, Practical
Workshop and Assessment