Hydrostatic testing is a critical period when newly constructed pipelines are pressure tested with water.
Savcor Products Australia provides practical corrosion inhibiting hydrotesting technologies to ensure pipelines can continue to operate safely and efficiently.
Over the years, experience has shown that water alone will result in flash corrosion on the internal surfaces of a pipeline. The longer the hydrotesting or construction process, the greater the risk that the pipeline will start to rust inside prior to commissioning.
By the time crews finish hydrotesting the entire pipeline, they may even return to the first segment of pipeline only to discover it has rusted in the meantime, with the subsequent cleaning process requiring additional time and resources to meet specifications.
Dewatering is one way to reduce the risk of corrosion after hydrotesting by running pigs through to remove as much water as possible. Using a corrosion inhibitor additive is another excellent solution as it minimises the need for dewatering and cleaning and can also provide extended protection after hydrotesting.
Cortec® Corporation is a leader in practical corrosion inhibiting technologies that are user friendly and minimise environmental impact, with one of its most popular hydrotesting technologies being VpCI®-649 for use in freshwater hydrotesting applications.
VpCI-649 is a unique concentrated liquid formulation that protects ferrous and non-ferrous metals. It combines contact and vapor-phase corrosion inhibitors to help reach all metal surfaces inside the pipeline, below and above the surface of the water.
VpCI-649 also leaves behind a corrosion inhibiting film that provides up to two years of corrosion protection after hydrotesting while the pipeline is waiting to come online. It does not contain nitrites, phosphates, or chromates, therefore presenting an overall friendlier profile for disposal.
Oftentimes, pipelines are constructed in coastal or offshore environments, where an abundance of seawater offers a convenient source of hydrotesting water – however, as saltwater is highly corrosive and may end up doing more harm than good, Cortec offers a couple of solutions to mitigate this problem.
VpCI-645 Marine Use Corrosion Inhibitor is a concentrated formula that provides effective corrosion protection against high chloride solutions, such as saltwater and brine. For those on a tighter budget, EcoLine® VpCI-642 is a more economical alternative specially designed for hydrotesting with seawater.
Both products contain 93 per cent USDA certified biobased content and have qualities that create a friendlier disposal profile. Pipeline hydrotesting is necessary but corrosion is not, and by using the right VpCI corrosion inhibitor additives, the need for post-hydrotesting cleaning and rust removal can be eliminated or greatly reduced.
These products are available through Savcor Products Australia in Australia and New Zealand.
This article was featured in the October 2020 edition of The Australian Pipeliner. To view the magazine on your PC, Mac, tablet or mobile device, click here.
For more information visit the Savcor Products website.
If you have news you would like featured in The Australian Pipeliner contact Managing Editor David Convery at dconvery@gs-press.com.au