CORROSION UNDER INSULATION

John Thirkettle of Thorcorrosion was guest speaker at a well attended London Branch joint meeting with NACE (UK) in February, his subject being corrosion under insulation in industrial plants. He explained how awareness of the problem has increased since the 1970s and that the Corrosion Under Insulation Industrial Forum has been set up. The Forum includes some highly eminent companies who are able to discuss the problems and challenges without direct commercial interest of the parties involved. After 10 years, there has been much exchanging of information with pro-active workshops being held every 6 months throughout the UK and overseas. There is no way of inspecting pipework under insulation without intrusive action, and damage to the cladding is often the trigger for the onset of corrosion. Most insulation materials act as a wick when wet, and research is ongoing to try and develop a material which will not act in this manner. There is also much attention being paid to the use of suitable coating systems for use under insulation with new innovations being sought all the time, and much us is being made of statistical analysis.

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