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BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICE

Mitigation of Internal Corrosion in Sweet Gas Gathering Systems


June 2009

2009-0014

The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) represents 130 companies that explore for, develop and produce more than 90 per cent of Canadas natural gas and crude oil. CAPP also has 150 associate member companies that provide a wide range of services that support the upstream oil and natural gas industry. Together, these members and associate members are an important part of a $120-billion-a-year national industry that affects the livelihoods of more than half a million Canadians.

Review by July 2013

Disclaimer This publication was prepared for the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP). While it is believed that the information contained herein is reliable under the conditions and subject to the limitations set out, CAPP does not guarantee its accuracy. The use of this report or any information contained will be at the users sole risk, regardless of any fault or negligence of CAPP or its co-funders.

Contents
1 2 Failure Statistics ...........................................................................................................1 Corrosion Mechanisms and Mitigation.......................................................................2 2.1 2.2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Pitting Corrosion..............................................................................................2 Vapour Phase Corrosion..................................................................................2

Recommended Practices ..............................................................................................7 Corrosion Mitigation Techniques..............................................................................13 Corrosion Monitoring Techniques ............................................................................15 Corrosion Inspection Techniques..............................................................................17 Leak Detection Techniques .......................................................................................19 Repair and Rehabilitation Techniques......................................................................20

Figures
Figure 1.1: Natural Gas Pipeline Operating FailuresTotal Failures and Failure Frequency by Reporting Year Source: ERCB ......................................................................................1 Figure 1.2: Oil Effluent Pipelines Incidents by Cause (Alberta) Source: ERCB.....................1 Figure 2.1: An Example of Internal Corrosion in a Sweet Gas Pipeline ..........................................2

Tables
Table 2.1 - Contributing Factors and Prevention of Internal Sweet Gas Corrosion - Mechanisms 3 Table 2.2 - Contributing Factors and Prevention of Internal Sweet Gas Corrosion - Operations...5 Table 3.1 - Recommended Practices Design and Construction......................................................7 Table 3.2 - Recommended Practices - Operations..............................................................................9 Table 4.1 Corrosion Mitigation Techniques .....................................................................................13 Table 5.1: Corrosion Monitoring Techniques...................................................................................15 Table 6.1: Corrosion Inspection Techniques ....................................................................................17 Table 7.1: Leak Detection Techniques..............................................................................................19 Table 8.1: Repair and Rehabilitation Techniques.............................................................................20

June 2009 Recommended Practice for Mitigation of Internal Corrosion in Sweet Gas Pipeline Systems

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Overview Corrosion is a dominant contributing factor to failures and leaks in pipelines. To deal with this issue, the CAPP Pipeline Technical Committee has developed industry recommended practices to improve and maintain the mechanical integrity of upstream pipelines. They are intended to assist upstream oil and gas producers in recognizing the conditions that contribute to pipeline corrosion incidents, and identify effective measures that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of corrosion incidents. This document addresses design, maintenance and operating considerations for the mitigation of internal corrosion in sweet gas gathering systems. For the purpose of this document, sweet gas service is considered to be where the CO2 to H2S ratio is greater than 500:1 (this limit is supplied as a guideline only and may not be absolute). Typically, these would be systems where the H2S concentration is in the low ppm level. This document does not address the deterioration of aluminum and non-metallic materials. This document is complementary to CSA Z662 and supports the development of corrosion control practices within Pipeline Integrity Management Programs, as required by CSA Z662 and the applicable regulatory agency. In the case of any inconsistencies between the guidance provided in this document and either Z662 or regulatory requirements, the latter should be adhered to. This document is intended for use by corrosion specialists involved with the development and execution of corrosion mitigation programs, engineering teams involved in the design of gathering systems, and operations personnel involved with the implementation of corrosion mitigation programs and operation of wells and pipelines in a safe and efficient manner. It contains a consolidation of key industry experience and knowledge used to reduce sweet gas pipeline corrosion; however, it is not intended to be a comprehensive overview of all practices. Additional corrosion mitigation recommended practices available are: Best Management Practice for Mitigation of Internal Corrosion in Sour Gas Pipeline Systems Best Management Practice for Mitigation of Internal Corrosion in Oil Effluent Pipeline Systems Best Management Practice for Mitigation of Internal Corrosion in Oilfield Water Pipeline Systems Best Management Practice for Mitigation of External Corrosion on Buried Pipeline Systems

These documents are available free of charge on the CAPP website at www.capp.ca.

June 2009 Recommended Practice for Mitigation of Internal Corrosion in Sweet Gas Pipeline Systems

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Failure Statistics
10 9 8 7 6 5
207 207 296 262 248 251 241 242 296

In 2008, natural gas pipeline systems accounted for 33% of the total pipeline incidents in Alberta. Internal corrosion is the largest of any individual cause for natural gas incidents.
500 # NG Incidents / 1000km Total NG Incidents
354 336 324 381 371

450 400 350 300 250 200 2.5 2.4 2.4 1.8 1.7 1.9 1.8 1.7 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.6 1.2 1.3 1.2 150 100 50 0

230

4 3
104 107 128 134 86

168 147

172

182

2 1 0

1.5 1.3 1.5

1.6 1.6

1.9

1.6 1.8 1.8

1985 1986 19871988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 19941995 1996 19971998 1999 2000 20012002 2003 20042005 2006 2007 2008 # NG Incidents / 1000km 1.3 1.5 1.5 1.6 1.6 1.9 1.6 1.8 1.8 2.5 1.8 1.7 1.9 1.8 2.4 2.4 1.7 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.6 1.2 1.3 1.2 Total NG Incidents 86 104 107 128 134 168 147 172 182 262 207 207 248 251 354 381 296 241 230 242 371 296 336 324 NG Length (1000's km) 66 69 71 80 84 88 92 95 101 105 115 122 131 139 148 159 174 186 192 220 237 252 263 261

Figure 1.1: Natural Gas Pipeline Operating FailuresTotal Failures and Failure Frequency by Reporting Year Source: ERCB

Figure 18b - Natural Gas Pipeline Incidents by Cause


Corrosion (Internal) (CI) Damage By Others (DO) Corrosion (External) (CX) Unknown (UN) All Other Causes Construction Damage (CD)

300

250

200

150

100

50

0 1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

Figure 1.2: Natural Gas Pipelines Incidents by Cause (Alberta) Source: ERCB

June 2009 Recommended Practice for Mitigation of Internal Corrosion in Sweet Gas Pipeline Systems

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Corrosion Mechanisms and Mitigation 2.1 Pitting Corrosion Pitting corrosion along the bottom of the pipeline is the primary corrosion mechanism leading to failures in sweet gas pipelines. The common features of this mechanism are: 2.2 the presence of water containing any of the following; CO2, bacteria, O2, or solids. pipelines carrying higher levels of free-water production with no means of water removal, i.e. well site separation or dehydration. the presence of fluid traps where water and solids can accumulate.

Vapour Phase Corrosion Vapor phase corrosion (often referred to as CO2 top-of-the-line corrosion) is a less common mechanism that has also led to failures. Although not specifically addressed in this technical document, many of the preventative measures described will also mitigate this mechanism.

Figure 2.1: An Example of Internal Corrosion in a Sweet Gas Pipeline

June 2009 Recommended Practice for Mitigation of Internal Corrosion in Sweet Gas Pipeline Systems

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Table 2.1 and Table 2.2 describe the most common contributors, causes and effects of internal corrosion in sweet gas pipelines. The table also contains corresponding industry mitigative measures being used to reduce sweet gas corrosion.
Table 2.1 - Contributing Factors and Prevention of Internal Sweet Gas Corrosion Mechanisms Contributor Carbon Dioxide Cause/Source Produced with gas from the reservoir CO2 concentration can be increased through fracturing and miscible floods Produced with gas from the reservoir Can be present in small amount in sweet gas pipelines Can be generated by sulfate reducing bacteria Effect CO2 dissolves in water to form carbonic acid Corrosion rates increase with increasing CO2 partial pressures Hydrogen dissolves in water to form weak acidic solution. Hydrogen sulphide can form protective iron sulphide (FeS) scales Localized breakdown of FeS scales results in accelerated pitting Oxygen can accelerate pitting corrosion at concentrations as low as 50 parts per billion Typical organic inhibitor effectiveness can be reduced by the presence of oxygen Mitigation Effective pigging and inhibition Dehydration

Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S)

Effective pigging and inhibition programs Dehydration Small amounts of H2S (less than 500 ppm) can be beneficial as a protective FeS film can be established Use gas blanketing and oxygen scavengers Batch oxygen scavenger downhole following ETU work overs Avoid purging test equipment into the pipeline Optimize methanol injection and/or use inhibited methanol

Oxygen

Ingress from compressors or vapor recovery units (VRU) Introduced through endless tubing (ETU) well clean-outs Ingress from portable test equipment Injection of methanol

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Contributor Water Holdup

Cause/Source Low gas velocity or poor pigging practices allow water to stagnate in the pipelines Absence of water separation equipment leads to water wet pipelines

Effect Water acts as the electrolyte for the corrosion reaction Chlorides increase the conductivity of water and may increase the localized pitting rate

Mitigation Install pigging facilities and maintain an effective pigging program Remove water at the wellsite by separation or dehydration Control corrosion through effective inhibition Install pigging facilities and maintain an effective pigging program Initially, flow the wells to tanks to minimize the effects of work over and completion activities Scale suppression

Solid Accumulations

Mainly produced from the formation Can originate from drilling fluids, workover fluids and scaling waters May include corrosion products from Insufficient gas velocities or poor pigging practices

Can contribute to under-deposit corrosion Scaling can interfere with corrosion monitoring and inhibition

Bacteria

Contaminated drilling and completion fluids Contaminated production equipment Produced fluids from the reservoir

Acid producing and sulfate reducing bacteria can lead to localized pitting attack Solid deposits provide an environment for growth of bacteria

Effective pigging program Eliminate introduction of free water into pipelines Treat with inhibitors and biocides

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Contributor Methanol

Cause/Source Excessive quantities of methanol Use of contaminated methanol

Effect Methanol injection can introduce oxygen into the system High quantities of methanol may reduce inhibitor effectiveness

Mitigation Avoid over-injection of methanol Effective pigging and inhibition Remove free water Eliminate the use of contaminated methanol

Table 2.2 - Contributing Factors and Prevention of Internal Sweet Gas Corrosion Operations Critical Gas Velocity Critical gas velocity is reached when there is insufficient flow to sweep the pipeline of water and solids A buildup of water and solids (elemental sulphur, iron sulphides etc.) accelerates corrosion Design pipeline to exceed critical velocity Establish operating targets based on critical gas velocity to trigger appropriate mitigation requirements e.g. pigging, batch inhibition Produce wells to surface test facilities until drilling and completion fluids and solids are recovered Supplemental pigging and inhibition of pipelines before and after work over activities

Drilling and Completion Fluids

Introduction of bacteria Introduction of spent acids and kill fluids Introduction of solids

Accelerated corrosion

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Detrimental Operating Practices

Ineffective pigging Ineffective inhibition Intermittent operation Inadequate pipeline suspension practices Commingling of incompatible produced fluids Flow back of workover fluids into the pipeline Deadlegs due to changes in production or operation of pipelines Change in production characteristics or operating practices Well re-completions and work overs Lack of system operating history and practices Changing personnel and system ownership

Accelerated corrosion

Design pipelines to allow for effective shut-in and isolation Develop and implement proper suspension procedures, including pigging and inhibition Establish acceptable operating parameters Test for fluid incompatibilities

Management of Change (MOC)

Unmanaged change may result in accelerated corrosion

Implement an effective MOC process Maintain integrity of pipeline operation and maintenance history and records Re-assess corrosivity on a periodic basis

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Recommended Practices Table 3.1 describes the recommended practices for mitigation of internal corrosion in sweet gas pipelines during design and construction. Table 3.2 describes the recommended practices for the mitigation of internal corrosion in the operating phase of sweet gas pipelines.

Table 3.1 - Recommended Practices Design and Construction Element Materials of Construction Recommended Practice Use normalized ERW line pipe that meets the requirements of CSA Z245.1 Steel Pipe Benefit Normalized ERW prevents preferential corrosion of the weld zone Non-metallic materials are corrosion resistant Comments ERW pipe should be installed with the seams orientated to the top half of the pipe to minimize preferential seam corrosion Non-metallic materials may be used as a liner or a free standing pipeline depending on the service conditions. Steel risers could be susceptible to corrosion Consider mitigation requirements for upset conditions

Consider use corrosion resistant materials such as High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or fiber reinforced composite materials as per CSA-Z662, Clause 13 Plastic Pipelines

Dehydration

Install gas dehydration facilities Ensure dehydration units are operating properly

Elimination of water from the system reduces the potential for corrosion

Water Removal

Install water separation and removal

Removal of free water from the system reduces the potential for corrosion

Only free water is being removed pigging and mitigation measures may still be required

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Element Pipeline Isolation

Recommended Practice Install valves that allow for effective isolation of pipeline segments Install the valves as close as possible to the tie-in point Install binds for effective isolation of in-active pipeline segments

Benefit Allows the effective suspension and discontinuation of pipeline segments Reduces the amount of lost production and flaring during maintenance activities

Comments Removes potential deadlegs from the gathering system Be aware of creating deadlegs between isolation valve and mainline at tie-in locations (i.e. install 12 oclock tee tie-ins, or above ground riser tie-ins) Develop shut-in guidelines for the timing of required steps to isolate and lay up pipelines in each system Stagnant conditions lead to accelerated corrosion For existing deadlegs removal or routine inspection may be required Consider future operating conditions such as changes in well deliverability Consider the future costs of corrosion mitigation for oversized pipelines Consider the impact of crossovers, line loops and flow direction changes

Deadlegs

Design and construct system to avoid or mitigate the effect of deadlegs Establish an inspection program for existing deadlegs Design pipeline system to maintain flow above critical velocity For pipelines that operate below the critical velocity ensure corrosion mitigation programs are effective for the conditions

Avoids corrosion due to stagnant conditions

Pipeline Sizing

Using smaller lines where possible increases gas velocity and reduces water holdup and solids deposition

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Element Pigging Capability

Recommended Practice Install or provide provisions for pig launching and receiving capabilities Use consistent line diameter and wall thickness Use piggable valves, flanges, and fittings

Benefit

Comments Multi-disc/cup pigs have been found to be more effective than ball or sponge type pigs Use pigs that are properly over sized, undamaged, and not excessively worn Receivers and launchers can be permanent or mobile Consideration should be given to the design of bends, tees, and risers to allow for navigation by the inspection devices

Pigging is one of the most effective methods of internal corrosion control Pigging improves the effectiveness of corrosion inhibitors

Inspection Capability

Install or provide capability for inspection tool launching and receiving Use consistent line diameter and wall thickness Use piggable valves, flanges, and fittings

Internal inspection using inline inspection (intelligent pigs) is the most effective method for confirming overall pipeline integrity Proper design allows for pipeline inspection without costly modifications or downtime

Table 3.2 - Recommended Practices - Operations Element Completion and Workover Practices Recommended Practice Produce wells to surface test facilities until drilling and completion fluids and solids are recovered Benefit Removal of stimulation and workover fluids reduces the potential for corrosion Comments Supplemental pigging and inhibition of pipelines may be required before and after workover activities

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Element Corrosion Assessment

Recommended Practice

Benefit Effective corrosion management comes from understanding and documenting design and operating parameters

Comments Refer to CSA Z662 Clause 9 Corrosion Control Define acceptable operating ranges consistent with the mitigation program Consider the effects of oxygen, methanol, bacteria and solids Consider supplemental requirements for handling completion and workover fluid backflow

Evaluate operating conditions (temperature, pressure, well effluent and volumes) and prepare a corrosion mitigation program Communicate corrosion assessment, operating parameters and the mitigation program to field operations and maintenance personnel Re-assess corrosivity on a periodic basis and subsequent to a line failure

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Element Corrosion Inhibition and Monitoring

Recommended Practice Develop and communicate the corrosion inhibition and monitoring program to field operations and maintenance personnel NOTE: Ensure personnel understand their responsibilities and are accountable for implementation and maintenance of corrosion management programs Develop suspension and lay up procedures

Benefit Allows for an effective corrosion mitigation program

Comments Refer to Section 5 for Corrosion Mitigation Techniques Refer to Section 6 for Corrosion Monitoring Techniques Refer to CSA Z662 Clause 9 Corrosion Control Number and location of monitoring devices is dependent on the predicted corrosivity of the system Process sampling for monitoring of Cl-, pH, Fe, Mn, and solids Consider provisions for chemical injection, monitoring devices, and sampling points Refer to Section 7 for Corrosion Inspection Techniques Refer to CSA Z662 Clause 9 Corrosion Control

Inspection Program

Develop an inspection program or strategy Communicate the inspection program to field operations and maintenance personnel

Creates greater buy in and awareness of corrosion mitigation program Provides assurance that the corrosion mitigation program is effective

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Element Failure Analysis

Recommended Practice Recovery of an undisturbed sample of the damaged pipeline Conduct a thorough failure analysis Use the results of failure analysis to reassess corrosion mitigation program

Benefit Improved understanding of corrosion mechanisms detected during inspections or as a result of a failure Allows for corrosion mitigation program adjustments in response to inspection results Prevents multiple failures on the same pipeline Prevents reoccurrence of problem

Comments Adjust corrosion mitigation program based on results of failure analysis

Repair and Rehabilitation

Inspect to determine extent and severity of damage prior to carrying out any repair or rehabilitation Based on inspection results, use CSA Clause 10.9.2 to determine extent and type of repair required Implement or make modifications to corrosion control program after repairs Develop a leak detection strategy

Refer to Section 7 for Corrosion Inspection Techniques Refer to Section 9 for Repair and Rehabilitation Techniques Refer to CSA Z662 Clause 10.10 for repair requirements

Leak Detection

Permits the detection of leaks

Refer to Section 8 for Leak Detection Techniques Technique utilized depends on access and ground conditions Unmanaged change may result in accelerated corrosion, using inappropriate mitigation strategy for the conditions (outside the operating range)

Management of Change

Implement an effective MOC process Maintain integrity of pipeline operation and maintenance records

Ensures that change does not impact the integrity of the pipeline system

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Corrosion Mitigation Techniques Table 4.1 describes common techniques that should be considered for the mitigation of internal corrosion in sweet gas pipelines.

Table 4.1 Corrosion Mitigation Techniques Technique Pigging Description Periodic pigging of pipeline segments to remove liquids, solids and debris Comments Pigging is one of the most effective methods of internal corrosion control Can be an effective method of cleaning pipelines and reducing potential for bacteria colonization and under-deposit corrosion Selection of pig type and sizing is important to ensure effectiveness Requires facilities for launching and receiving pigs Common practice to help productivity of low volume gas wells Provides a barrier between corrosive elements and the pipe surface Application procedure is important in determining effectiveness (i.e. volume of chemical, diluents used, contact time, and application interval) Should be applied between two pigs to effectively clean and lay down inhibitor on the pipe Should be used in conjunction with pigging to remove liquids and solids (i.e. the inhibitor must be applied to clean pipe to be the most effective)

Batch Corrosion Inhibition

Periodic application of a batch corrosion inhibitor to provide a protective barrier on the inside of the pipe

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Technique Continuous Corrosion Inhibitor Treatments

Description Continuous injection of a corrosion inhibitor to reduce the corrosivity of the transported fluids or provide a barrier film

Comments Less common technique due to the high cost to treat high volumes of water and equipment requirements (pumps and tanks) Chemical pump reliability is important in determining effectiveness Corrosion inhibitor may be less effective at contacting the pipe surface in a dirty system, batch treatments can be more reliable Effective in killing bacteria in systems known to contain bacteria Use in conjunction with pigging (to clean the line) will enhance effectiveness Batch application typically most effective (e.g. application downhole leads to ongoing treatment of produced fluids flowing into the pipeline) The use of improperly selected biocides can create a foam that can be a serious operational issue Oxygen ingress will accelerate the corrosion potential (can create sulfur compounds)

Biocide Chemical Treatment

Periodic application of a biocide to kill bacteria in the pipeline system

Oxygen Control

Use gas blanketing and oxygen scavengers Avoid purging test equipment into the pipeline Optimize methanol injection and/or use inhibited methanol

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Corrosion Monitoring Techniques Table 5.1 describes the most common techniques for monitoring corrosion and operating conditions associated with internal corrosion in sweet gas pipelines.

Table 5.1: Corrosion Monitoring Techniques Technique Gas and Oil Analysis Description Ongoing monitoring of gas composition for H2S and CO2 content. If present, the analysis of liquid hydrocarbon properties including viscosity is useful. Ongoing monitoring of water for chlorides, dissolved metals, bacteria, suspended solids and chemical residuals Comments Acid gas content must be understood and should be periodically reassessed

Water Analysis

Changes in water chemistry will influence the corrosion potential Trends in dissolved metal (e.g. Fe, Mn) concentration can indicate changes in corrosion activity Chemical residuals can be used to confirm the level of application Sampling location and proper procedures are critical for accurate results Changes in operating conditions will influence the corrosion potential Production information can be used to assess corrosion susceptibility based on fluid velocity and corrosivity Chemical pump reliability and inhibitor inventory control is critical where mitigation program includes continuous chemical injection The corrosion mitigation program must be properly implemented to be effective The impact of any non-compliance to the mitigation program must be evaluated to assess the effect on corrosion

Production Monitoring

Ongoing monitoring of production conditions such as pressure, temperature and flow rates

Mitigation Program Compliance

Ongoing monitoring of mitigation program implementation and execution

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Technique Corrosion Coupons

Description Used to indicate general corrosion rates, pitting susceptibility, and mitigation program effectiveness

Comments Coupon type, placement, and data interpretation are critical to successful application of this method Coupons should be used in conjunction with other monitoring and inspection techniques Bio-spool placement and data interpretation are critical to successful application of these methods Bio-spools should be used in conjunction with other monitoring and inspection techniques Solids pigged out of pipelines (pig yields) can be tested for bacteria levels Bacteria presence on surfaces is considered a better way to quantify type and numbers present in the system The device selection, placement, and data interpretation are critical to successful application of these methods Continuous or intermittent data collection methods are used Electrochemical monitoring should be used in conjunction with other monitoring and inspection techniques

Bio-spools

Used to monitor for bacteria presence and mitigation program effectiveness

Electrochemical Monitoring

There are a variety of methods available such as electrochemical noise, linear polarization, electrical resistance, and field signature method

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Corrosion Inspection Techniques This section describes common techniques that should be considered for the detection of internal corrosion in sweet gas pipelines.

Table 6.1: Corrosion Inspection Techniques Options Inline Inspection Technique Magnetic flux leakage is the most common technique Comments Effective method to accurately determine location and severity of corrosion Inline inspection can find internal and external corrosion defects The tools are available as self contained or tethered The pipeline must be designed or modified to accommodate inline inspection To run a tethered tool inspection it is often necessary to dig bellholes and cut the pipeline Evaluation must be done to determine potential corrosion sites prior to conducting NDE NDE is commonly used to verify inline inspection results, corrosion at excavation sites and above ground piping The use of multi-film radiography is an effective screening tool prior to using ultrasonic testing Corrosion rates can be determined by performing periodic NDE measurements at the same locations

NonDestructive Examination (NDE)

Ultrasonic inspection, radiography or other NDE methods can be used to measure metal loss in a localized area

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Options Video Camera / Boroscope

Technique A visual inspection tool to locate internal corrosion

Comments Used to locate and determine the presence of corrosion damage, but it is difficult to determine severity This technique may be limited to short inspection distances Cannot directly measure depth of corrosion pits Consideration should be given to locations where specific failure modes are most likely to occur

Destructive Examination

Physical cut out of sections from the pipeline

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Leak Detection Techniques Table 7.1 describes common techniques that should be considered for the detection of pipeline leaks caused by internal corrosion in sweet gas pipelines. Proactive leak detection can be an effective method of finding small leaks and mitigating the consequences of a major product release or spill.

Table 7.1: Leak Detection Techniques Technique Right-of-Way (ROW) Surveillance Description Visual inspection by ground access or aerial surveillance to look for indications of leaks Comments Indications include soil subsidence, gas bubbling, and water, soil, or vegetation discoloration Can be used in combination with infrared thermography and flame ionization surveys Changes in production volumes or pressure can indicate a pipeline failure This is a more effective tool for finding large leaks and ruptures Equipment is portable and very sensitive Equipment may be hand held, mounted on an ATV, or mounted to a helicopter Need sufficient volume of escaping gas to create an identifiable temperature difference Normally completed using aerial techniques Capable of detecting pinhole leaks that may be otherwise nondetectable

Production Monitoring

Volume balancing or pressure monitoring to look for indications of leaks

Flame Ionization Survey

Electronic instrumentation used to detect very low concentrations of gas

Infrared Thermography

Thermal imaging is used to detect temperature change on Right-of-Way due to escaping gas

Odor Detection

Odorant detection using trained animals and patented odorants

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Repair and Rehabilitation Techniques Table 8.1 describes common techniques used for repair and rehabilitation of pipelines damaged by internal sweet gas corrosion. Prior to the repair or rehabilitation of a pipeline the appropriate codes and guidelines should be consulted, including: CSA Z662, Section 10.10, Permanent and Temporary Repair Methods CSA Z662, Section 13, Reinforced composite, thermoplastic lined and polyethylene pipelines

Table 8.1: Repair and Rehabilitation Techniques Technique Pipe Section Replacements Description Remove damaged section(s) and replace. Comments When determining the quantity of pipe to replace, consider the extent of the corrosion and as well as the extent and severity of damage or degradation of any internal coatings or linings along with the condition of the remaining pipeline Impact on pigging capabilities must be considered (use same pipe diameter and similar wall thickness) The replaced pipe section should be coated with corrosion inhibitor prior to commissioning or coated with an internal coating compatible with the existing pipeline For internal corrosion it may be possible in some circumstances for the damaged section to remain in the pipeline as per the requirements in CSA Z662 Clause 10.10 along with proper corrosion control practices to prevent further deterioration Different repair sleeves are available including composite, weld-on and bolt-on types. The sleeves must meet the requirements of CSA Z662 Clause 10.10

Repair Sleeves

Reinforcement and pressure containing sleeves may be acceptable for temporary or permanent repairs of internal corrosion as per the limitations stated in CSA Z662

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Technique Polymer Liners

Description A polymer liner is inserted in the steel pipeline The steel pipe must provide the pressure containment capability

Comments A variety of materials are available with different temperature and chemical resistance capabilities Impact on pigging capabilities must be considered Polymer liners may eliminate the need for internal corrosion mitigation, corrosion monitoring and inspection Reduction of inhibition programs may impact the integrity of connecting headers and facilities constructed from carbon steel A variety of materials are available with different temperature and chemical resistance capabilities Freestanding plastic pipelines may be limited to low-pressure service Freestanding composite pipelines may not be permitted for gas service Impact on pigging capabilities must be considered Composite or plastic pipelines may eliminate the need for internal corrosion mitigation, corrosion monitoring and inspection Reduction of inhibition programs may impact the integrity of connecting headers and facilities constructed of carbon steel

Composite or Plastic Pipeline

Freestanding composite or plastic pipe can be either plowed-in for new lines, or pulled through old pipelines This pipe must be designed to provide full pressure containment

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Technique Pipeline Replacement

Description Using internally coated steel pipeline systems with an engineered joining system should also be considered The alteration or replacement of the pipeline allows for proper mitigation and operating practices to be implemented

Comments Must be pig and inspection tool compatible Refer to Section 4 Recommended Practices in this document for details Ensure that when replacements in kind occur, the alteration or replacement of the pipeline allows for proper mitigation and operating practices to be implemented

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