Anticorrosion inspections – an important way to protect pipelines
Corrosion is one of the most dangerous factors to the stability and proper functioning of pipelines and other industrial steel structures that we get to use every day. As each element that makes the pipeline gets painted in shop before being connected together on site, it’s impossible to perform full paint protection in the paint shop conditions and almost every time each assembled pipeline requires a second coat of paint protection to be safe from corrosion. And here’s where the anticorrosion inspections come in handy.
How anticorrosion inspections help to protect the pipelines
Regular checks for any signs of early corrosion and damage to the pipeline should be started as soon as the pipeline is being laid out and way before it gets buried into the ground. As water damage, low temperatures and constant contact with the environment pose danger to the integrity of the pipeline, a company that is responsible for preparing it must ensure everything works well from the get-go.
What does it take to ensure the highest quality of corrosion protection? If inspection is needed, it should be performed by specialists who can perform verification of the correctness of applied painting systems before the structure goes into use as well as provide periodic inspection of coatings that comply to the highest world standards – says DAAS Group – one of the european leaders in its branch. Well-executed anticorrosion inspection shouldn’t require disassembling any structures and should be done in all conditions, both from the level of existing platforms and in rope access.
Proper preparation protects pipelines from corrosion
Inspections are important and without it, pipelines would quickly go bad even if they were properly prepped and protected beforehand. There should be more emphasis though on the protection itself as well – using simple methods won’t be enough if commercial use comes to play. How world renowned companies manage to keep their methods to the highest standards?
First of all, there are some ISO standards to follow – ISO 12944, 8501, and ISO 8504, as well as NORSOK M-501 provide great source for quality checks and proper procedures that make sure pipelines are being prepped in the best way and kept in their best condition for as long as it is possible. Using methods like high-pressure cleaning (hydroblasting) Wa 1- Wa 2.5, abrasive blasting Sa 1-Sa 3, airless hydrodynamic painting, and finishing with manual painting using rollers and brushes ensures all the elements are properly prepared before the paint anticorrosion layer is started and once the paint layers go on, they’re protecting every part as well as possible.
