Pipeline recoating has been an ongoing process since underground
pipelines have been coated. Today 75% of pipelines have a mature pipe coating
that is aging well in some environments and aging badly in other environments.
When the pipeline coating reaches “failure mode” - when the cathodic protection
is no longer able to protect the pipeline due to the coating deterioration -
recoating is usually the most economical option.
Prior to “Failure Mode” the pipeline operator has several options to protect
the pipeline such as linear or distributed cathodic protection. Eventually the
coating deteriorates to the point of failure and the pipeline is usually recoated. In
some extreme cases, pipeline replacement is also an option, however this only
happens when corrosion has occurred and the pipeline cannot be operated as
designed or if the pipeline is to be uprated and replacement becomes
economical.
Recoating can be performed in the ditch with the pipe in service, in the
ditch with the pipe out of service or out of the ditch with the pipe out of service.
Again, the selection is based upon economics and safety considerations.