Pipeline integrity is key to maintaining operational success, safety and security and minimizing harm to the environment. Corrosion is a dominant contributory factor to failures, leaks and integrity threats in pipelines. Therefore, its optimum control within an integrity management framework is paramount for the cost effective design of facilities and ensuring continued, uninterrupted and safe operations within the expected design life.
This paper summarizes major elements of a recent recommended practice (RP) on Pipeline Corrosion Management (PCM) published by the European Federation of Corrosion (EFC). The RP goes into details on a methodical approach to carrying out PCM. It is a step change in the approach, methodology and necessary elements in ensuring integrity of pipelines in the oil and gas industry enabling improved safety, security and minimizing the impact on the environment.
Key words: Corrosion, feedback, inspection, injection, pipeline, production, management, monitoring, off-shore, on-shore, review.