Corrosion Protection in Offshore Pipelines - Essay Example

Corrosion in offshore pipeline environments is a critical and unresolved issue for oil and gas industries. Due to the nature of subsea facilities and infrastructures, corrosive processes are more abundant and varied than their onshore counterparts. The maintenance and monitoring of such problems is also more expensive given the challenges of access and context of the location. The aggressive nature of sea environments leads to pipeline systems becoming vulnerable to corrosion from various internal and external forces such as chemical reactions induced by seawater composition.

Currently there are several techniques used by oil and gas industries to combat offshore corrosion. Corrosion resistant alloys are often used to prevent corrosion, as well as certain pipeline coatings and cathodic protection of pipelines. Offshore monitoring is often executed as a preventative measure, via electrical resistance monitoring, electrochemical methods, hydrogen monitoring, weight-loss coupons, non-destructive testing techniques and analytical techniques. Offshore pigging is also a common practice.

Researching and investigating case histories is a crucial way in which industries may improve their knowledge of corrosion protection techniques. Overall, there are many diverse methods, various apparatuses, several technological platforms and a wide spectrum of concepts involved in preventing, combating, managing and monitoring corrosion in offshore pipeline environments. However, these measures alone do not guarantee corrosion protection. Further research and experimentation using cutting-edge technology must be used in order to fully mitigate this issue.

The purpose of this report is to describe relevant issues and concepts about offshore pipeline corrosion. The report includes descriptions of technology, relevant literature, techniques and models involved in the prevention, control and management of offshore pipeline corrosion, with a view to illustrate the complexity and advanced nature involved. The report also examines the methods and environmental factors relating to the subject as well as the chemical, biotechnological and mechanical apparatus involved.

Finally, 21st century concepts, new procedures and advanced materials are explained in order to address future difficulties and attempts to mitigate the problems.