AN INTRODUCTION TO ATMOSPHERIC EXTERNAL CORROSION

by

Copyright Talisman Energy (UK) Limited 2004

INTRODUCTION
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Corrosion Under Insulation Atmospheric External Corrosion Stress Corrosion Cracking and localised corrosion of stainless steels in chloride environments Galvanic Corrosion Flange Face Corrosion Carbon Dioxide Corrosion Hydrogen Sulphide Corrosion and Cracking Oxygen Corrosion of seawater and water injection systems including internal corrosion of stainless steels in chloride environments Microbial Influenced Corrosion and Dead Leg Corrosion

10. Weld Corrosion 11. Erosion Corrosion 12. Fatigue and Fretting

Copyright Talisman Energy (UK) Limited 2004

INTRODUCTION
External Atmospheric Corrosion

A form of oxygen corrosion. The threat is mainly to Carbon Steel

but some corrosion resistant alloys may also be at risk.

Corrosion is a risk wherever the surfaces of structural, process and

mechanical equipment are exposed to aerated water.

Not to be confused with Chloride Pitting and cracking of Corrosion

resistant alloys (covered in the next presentation) This presentation briefly covers.. Where does it occur? Locations and items where Atmospheric corrosion is likely to be seen When does it occur? When are you likely to see Atmospheric corrosion? Why does it occur? What has to happen for Atmospheric corrosion to become a problem? What can be done to prevent it?

Copyright Talisman Energy (UK) Limited 2004

INTRODUCTION
POLICY Talisman seek to assure the

continued integrity of all sites minimising risk to personnel, environment and business from the threat of Atmospheric Corrosion

STRATEGY

Fabric maintenance programmes Risk based inspection schemes Planned maintenance routines Corrosion risk assessments

Coating conditions are reported using RI codes in

ACET and Metacor Fabric Maintenance database.

Copyright Talisman Energy (UK) Limited 2004

WHERE DOES IT OCCUR?

Areas open to salt water spray

Exposed areas Deluge areas

Items at risk
Vessels Pipework Risers Bolts/Flanges Pipe supports Deck plating Stairs/ladders Handrails Mesh grating/cable trays
Copyright Talisman Energy (UK) Limited 2004

WHERE DOES IT OCCUR?

Specific risks Areas at

elevated temperatures Pipework or vessels that operate
between 40oC and 80oC are at high risk Wet, hot surfaces Areas adjacent to insulated equipment

Copyright Talisman Energy (UK) Limited 2004

WHERE DOES IT OCCUR?

Specific risks Areas of

trapped water (Crevices) Pipework supports Bolts/Flanges Fixings for nameplates Supports for Stairs/ladders Cable trays Any area where water may pool Underneath coatings Edges of
damaged coatings

Copyright Talisman Energy (UK) Limited 2004

WHERE DOES IT OCCUR?

Specific risks Bolts & Flanges

Bolts and flanges form crevices Coatings are often weaker Galvanic corrosion if dissimilar materials
(presentation 4)

Copyright Talisman Energy (UK) Limited 2004

WHERE DOES IT OCCUR?

Specific risks Unclean

surfaces Build up of deposits on a surface
Salt deposits Corrosion product Fluid spills Bird droppings Residue/remains from tapes

Copyright Talisman Energy (UK) Limited 2004

WHEN DOES IT OCCUR?

When bare steel is exposed on a

surface due to.. Coating degradation
Blisters Cracking Flaking De-bonding Constant exposure to water

High traffic wear Mechanical damage

Copyright Talisman Energy (UK) Limited 2004

WHEN DOES IT OCCUR?

When bare steel is exposed in a crevice by..

Ineffective seals on supports Ineffective coating within the crevice Poor design

Copyright Talisman Energy (UK) Limited 2004

WHY DOES IT OCCUR?

Why does the coating fail?

Due to age Due to poor application in field Due to mechanical damage

Copyright Talisman Energy (UK) Limited 2004

WHY DOES IT OCCUR?

Why do deposits accumulate on surfaces?

Leaks/spills not cleaned up Surfaces not kept free of debris Corrosion product not removed

Copyright Talisman Energy (UK) Limited 2004

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PREVENT IT? Understand where and why the main
corrosion threats occur

Understand the systems in place to

address these

Play your part

Report any corrosion concerns
e.g. damage to coating, corrosion exposed when
carrying out routine tasks

Report any corrosion damage

e.g. Integrity Report cards, STOP cards, inform
Supervisor

Report any damage to coatings Bolts ensure joints are assembled correctly Clean up spills or debris
Copyright Talisman Energy (UK) Limited 2004

SUMMARY Where does it occur?

Any areas exposed to water

When does it occur?

When the surface is exposed

Why does it occur?

Effective coating not maintained

What can be done to prevent it?

Effective fabric maintenance to prevent
extensive coating breakdown Avoid leaks/spills onto surfaces from above Prevent accumulation of deposits/debris
Copyright Talisman Energy (UK) Limited 2004