ICorr Exhibits at Floating Offshore Wind 2023

ICorr Exhibits at Floating Offshore Wind 2023

Make a Date to Visit Us in Aberdeen on 4/5th October 2023

The Floating Offshore Wind event returns on October 4th and 5th 2023, and promises to be another record-breaking event. The Institute of Corrosion are pleased to announce that we will be exhibiting this year.

In this article, you’ll learn why you should attend Floating Offshore Wind 2023 (FOW23), and why you should make ICorr one of your primary targets in the exhibition hall.

What Is FOW23?

Hosted by RenewableUK and Scottish Renewables, FOW23 is a must-attend event for those in the renewables sector. Especially if you are involved in the design, production, installation, and maintenance of offshore wind facilities.

The event will be attended by more than 2,000 industry professionals. It’s an incredible networking opportunity, with many key players to meet and discuss potential solutions to the technical challenges presented in the industrialisation and commercialisation of floating wind installations.

In addition to thousands of attendees, there will also be 100 speakers from 30 countries as well as 140 exhibitors.

Where Is FOW23 and How Do You Get There?

FOW23 is being held at P&J Live, Aberdeen.

This state-of-the-art events venue is around six miles north-west of Aberdeen’s city centre. If you are travelling by car, it’s easily accessed from the A96 Aberdeen-to-Inverness link road.

For those travelling by public transport, Dyce Train Station is only 1.5 miles away with regular trains both north and south.

If you are planning to fly to Aberdeen, Logan Air are offering discounted flights for event attendees – you’ll need to use the promo code ‘RUFOW30’ when booking.

Corrosion – A Significant Challenge for Floating Offshore Wind

Corrosion is a crucial issue in marine environments, and can occur in several parts of offshore wind turbines. This includes:

  • Structural damage to the foundation or device including by corrosion fatigue
  • Reduction in fatigue life due to quite limited corrosion damage
  • Corrosion related damage to parts including electrical equipment, control units, cooling and ventilation systems, boat-landings, turbine main shaft bearings, and gear boxes
  • Foundations and floating devices are susceptible to many types of corrosion, including microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), internally and externally.

You don’t need to dig too deep to find examples of failures in corrosion protection strategies or failed corrosion protection systems in offshore wind, with protective coatings failures after only a couple of years of service resulting in corrosion damage and very high offshore coating repair requirements.

Early monopile foundations were assumed not to require internal corrosion protection because they would be sealed; they were not, and they did. Cathodic protection (CP) systems on monopiles suffered from poor designs, not taking account of attenuation of CP current from anodes at the top of the monopile to the critical seabed level, from ignoring effects due to anodes clustered too close together and inadequately addressing effects of water velocity and temperature.

Considering major repairs and remedial work were required within 5-10 years of construction, compared to the expected durability of 15 and now increasing to 35 years, you begin to realise the critical nature of adopting suitable corrosion protection practices in this industry.

When we consider corrosion in fixed bottom, FOW, and tidal stream generators, we must address a host of factors including:

  • A highly corrosive environment caused by factors such as high tidal ranges and water velocities in coastal locations, wet and dry cycles, saltwater spray and high wind born chlorides to all levels
  • Mechanical loads, in particular fatigue and the reduction in fatigue life by even limited corrosion
  • Underwater biological stresses, impacts and opportunities
  • Variations in temperature, salinity and water velocities
  • Reduced accessibility to unmanned assets anticipating long inspection intervals, with high costs of access
  • High maintenance and repair costs of corrosion protection failures

FOW is a relatively new industry, and we are learning more about these challenges daily. The Institute of Corrosion sits at the forefront of the latest research and practical experience in the battle against corrosion in offshore wind projects.

Raising the Standard in Offshore Wind Corrosion Protection

With so much at stake, and given the significant failures of surface coating and cathodic protection (CP) in past offshore renewable projects, it is not surprising that the industry is becoming increasingly regulated to combat corrosion. For example:

  • The new ISO 24656 CP for Offshore Wind covers FOW
  • ISO 24656, DNV-RP-B401 and DNV-RP-0416 all require CP designs by expert CP designers of certificated competence
  • ISO 15257 is the only competence certification standard for offshore CP
  • Both ISO and DNV standards and codes require independent, competent Coating Inspectors to ensure optimum performance of coatings

In short, if the expertise of your project teams does not include awareness and competence in corrosion matters, you’re failing the standards expected and required of your FOW project.

Training to Meet Your Corrosion Protection Needs in FOW

At the Institute of Corrosion, we have the expertise to assist the FOW industry in corrosion protection and to train your personnel in this sector:

Our training is structured, comprehensive, and delivered in a variety of learning strategies.

Where to Find ICorr at FOW23

The ICorr exhibit stand is where you’ll be able to discuss all things FOW and corrosion. You’ll get to meet Adesiji Anjorin, current Chair of our Aberdeen branch, and learn about how ICorr is helping to advance and share experience and expertise in protection against and prevention of corrosion in the renewables sector, as well as discover more about all our training and certification solutions for corrosion professionals.

We couldn’t be easier to find in the exhibit hall at FOW23:

  • Enter via the Visitors Entrance
  • Turn immediately to your right
  • Walk a few yards to the line of exhibitors against the far wall
  • We are the second stand in – stand L20 – right around the corner from the RenewableUK and Scottish renewables stands

How to Register for FOW23

To register to attend FOW23, visit the Registration Page at the RenewableUK site. Here you’ll find information about the different types and costs of registration, and a clickable button to register.

If you’d like to know more about any of ICorr’s training schemes, please contact us by email or click on the following links:

CP Training

Coating and Inspection Training

ICATS Training

Calling All Young Engineers ─ You Don’t Want to Miss This

Calling All Young Engineers ─ You Don’t Want to Miss This

All You Need to Know About the Young Engineer Programme 2024 Announcement Event

Put this date in your diary: 28th September 2023. That’s when you’ll want to get yourself to London to attend the Young Engineers event you’ve been waiting for. It’s when Young ICorr – the Institute of Corrosion’s section dedicated to student and young engineers (and by young, we mean those in the first 10 years of their engineering career) – unveil the Young Engineer Programme (YEP) 2024.

This event is where you’ll get to hear from the horses’ mouths about what difference YEP can make. Previous YEP participants and winners will be attending – ask them anything you wish!

I got to play so many different roles that I simply would not get exposure to during my usual day job. I felt like a leader, a follower, a technical consultant, and a salesman. The value of the programme was really demonstrated to me through the opportunity to play these roles.” – Jamie Hillier (Subsea Senior Engineer, Exodus Group)

Here’s what you need to know about this event.

What Is YEP?

Ok, you’ll find out more at the YEP 2024 Announcement Event, but here’s a brief rundown:

  • It’s specifically designed for corrosion practitioners at the early stage of their careers. Whilst it is called the Young Engineer Programme you don’t need a degree to take part – you just need to be working in a corrosion-related role.
  • It includes a series of lectures covering a range of topics.
  • Delegates are divided into teams, and each team will present solutions to a real-life case study.
  • The winning team receive an all-expenses paid trip to the AMPP Annual Conference & Expo in the United States.

(You can read more about the YEP in our blog ‘A Case Study for All Young Corrosion Engineers – It Could Be You’.)

This is world-leading training for engineers. The series of lectures will cover topics that include:

  • Basic corrosion
  • Welding
  • Materials
  • Coatings
  • Painting, fire protection and linings
  • Cathodic protection
  • Chemical treatments
  • Presentation skills

Moreover, these lectures are presented by recognised leading lights from industry and academia. Not only do delegates have the opportunity to broaden their network among their peers, but they also get to learn from (and be mentored by) respected industry authorities.

And you can be sure that learning will be relevant to current industry research, trends, and latest industry needs. For example, while we can’t say too much at this stage, you can certainly expect that Offshore Wind and Floating Offshore Wind (FOW) will be on the agenda in some of the lectures

(Teaser: see our article ‘Why is Cathodic Protection a Big Deal?’ – and while on the subject of FOW, don’t forget we will be exhibiting at Floating Offshore Wind 2023.)

It was an eye-opening experience. I have learned from Subject Matter Experts in the industry, made fantastic friends along the way, and gained new and exciting opportunities through the programme.” – Izabela Gajewska (Corrosion Engineer, Intertek P&IA)

What is the YEP Announcement Event?

The YEP Announcement Event is the official opening of YEP 2024. We’ll discuss the programme syllabus in detail, with three talks designed to provide you with all the information you need to decide whether YEP 2024 is for you, and how to register.

After being welcomed by James McGladdery, Chair of Young ICorr, we’ll settle into the formal part of the evening:

  • Anthony Setiadi, organizer of past YEPs, will present on the history of YEP
  • Danny Burkle (Chair of ICorr’s Corrosion Engineering Division), and Praveena Nanthakumaran (a Young ICorr Committee member) will talk about their experiences as previous YEP winners

But it’s not all formalities. You’ll get the chance to network with like-minded people, and snacks and refreshments will be laid on, too.

When and Where Is the YEP 2024 Announcement Event?

We’ve reserved plenty of space for this event at The Corner London City, 42 Adler St, London E1 1EE. Only five minutes’ walk from Aldgate East underground station, and 20 minutes from Liverpool Street station, this venue is ideal for an event that will be informative while presenting an opportunity for relaxed networking.

We start the formal part of the evening at 6:30pm, though doors open from 6pm.

How Much Does the Yep Announcement Event Cost?

It’s free!

All you need to do is reserve a spot for the evening using this link:

Register Me as an Attendee at the YEP 2024 Announcement Event

Then simply turn up with your eTicket. Couldn’t be easier.

Unlocking the Benefits of ICorr Membership

Unlocking the Benefits of ICorr Membership

Why Our Membership Continues to Grow

In a world where professional qualifications and connections are increasingly crucial, the Institute of Corrosion is a source of excellence and innovation. Our industry-led training courses and accreditations provide evidence of your professionalism and dedication. However, ICorr membership delivers much more than access to best-of-breed training opportunities.

ICorr – Driven by Our Core Values

The Institute operates as a non-profit organisation. We are here for the benefit of our members, and to benefit the industries in which they work. At the heart of what we do are our core values:

  • Trust and Respect ─ The Institute of Corrosion is an independent professional body, trusted and respected by the public
  • Experts and Leaders in the Field ─ The Institute of Corrosion encompasses leaders and experts in the field of corrosion prevention
  • Innovative and Forward-Thinking ─ The Institute of Corrosion is innovative, modern, cutting-edge, and global
  • Supportive and Inclusive ─ The Institute of Corrosion provides an environment of support, networking, and education

ICorr – Delivering Our Mission

Our mission (the reason we exist) is wide-ranging, and aligned to our values:

  • To develop and support a global community of corrosion experts
  • To advance science, technology, and ideas
  • To influence policy and decision-making
  • To create and sustain a healthier and safer environment
  • To promote and aid career development and networking

ICorr – For the Benefit of Our Members

We focus on the people who make such a difference to the corrosion industry. You.

Whether you are a student, academic, scientist, engineer, or maintenance professional, when your qualities, qualifications, and experience are combined with others, you can help drive our industry forward.

The structure of the Institute of Corrosion allows us to operate as an organisation for our members, and run by our members – and provide meaningful ways for its members to network, develop their careers, and share their experience and expertise.

Let’s examine how ICorr membership can help you maximise your own potential in the corrosion industry under four headings:

  1. Networking
  2. Visibility
  3. Personal Development
  4. Financial
  5. Other

Networking Benefits of ICorr Membership

The networking opportunities possible through ICorr membership are unparalleled.

The Institute of Corrosion’s LinkedIn group has more than 12,500 followers – a number that is growing daily. We actively encourage our members to get involved in our online conversations (you’ll also find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) to share best practices and corrosion issues you may have encountered.

Our structure also maximises the opportunities for you to network by becoming involved in the division most appropriate to you (Corrosion Engineering or Corrosion Science), affiliating to a regional branch and attending branch events, or, if at the early stage of your career, joining Young ICorr.

Participating internationally, nationally, or locally is an ideal opportunity to network with your peers. You’ll find the ICorr community is welcoming and gives a sense of belonging to something bigger. Our members are happy to share their experiences and knowledge. This community spirit, and the sense of collaboration provides a tangible commercial value in who we are and what we do – as well as a route to help others and discover new job opportunities.

Visibility Benefit of ICorr Membership

While each part of the Institute has its own autonomous merit, ICorr is greater than the sum of these parts. We give individual members (and member companies) greater visibility in the corrosion community. Our reputation reflects upon you. When you become a member of ICorr, you are immediately viewed as a professional who aligns with our values and mission.

Opportunities to take a greater part in ICorr will improve your own visibility in the corrosion community. You really do get out what you put in. International Standards Committees who require additional members know that ICorr membership confers reputation and responsibility on you.

Our members continually make valuable contributions to industry and learning in a collaborative membership. It’s not surprising that many of our members have risen to leadership roles within their fields and specialisations.

Personal Development Benefits of ICorr Membership

Training opportunities through ICorr are both extensive and growing. From continuing professional development (CPD) to specific specialist training and accreditation of Chartered/Professional status, the quality of our education and certification schemes is globally recognised.

Our range of training courses designed to help you develop the practical skills and thinking that could be pivotal to advance your career include:

·       Our Certification Schemes

A range of classroom and online training courses designed to help you develop your career. Topics include coatings, cathodic protection, insulation, passive fire protection, and the fundamentals of corrosion.

·       ICATS – Industrial Coating Applicator Scheme

ICATS is the internationally recognised training for applications of coatings. ICorr established this scheme because of industry demand for formal qualifications in coatings.

·       A Route to Chartered Status

In addition to the many training opportunities that ICorr delivers, we also provide a route to Chartered status (CEng and CSci) through our links with the engineering Council and the Science Council. We support members in their formal CPD requirements through our CPD returns process.

Receive From and Give Back to the ICorr Community

When you join our divisions and branches, you become part of a very special community. On top of the training opportunities we provide, you gain access to our events at international, national, and regional levels. You’ll be able to participate in knowledge sharing and the exchange of best practices.

We understand the importance of nurturing tomorrow’s talent. So do our members. Our branches and divisions have proved to be an effective route to mentorship. You’ll find our members are happy to give back to the community that helped foster their career progression. You, too, will have opportunities to give back.

Financial Benefits of ICorr Membership

There are also several financial benefits to take advantage of as a member of ICorr. These include:

  • Discounted conference registration fees at major UK and international ICorr conferences
  • Free membership for students
  • Discounts on training courses where possible

Other Benefits of ICorr Membership

As if all the above is not enough, we go further to provide real value to our members. Other benefits of ICorr membership include:

  • All members receive ICorr’s bi-monthly technical journal Corrosion Management. This industry-leading publication includes updates from around ICorr, in-depth technical articles, news from the corrosion industry, and recruitment opportunities. You can also take advantage of discounted subscriptions to Corrosion Science Magazine and Protective Coatings Europe.
  • Access to the member area of the ICorr website where you can find:
    • online forums
    • a full archive of Corrosion Management
    • all technical papers and presentations from ICorr events
    • documents and minutes from meetings, including the AGM
  • MICorr members have automatic entitlement to the status of NACE Senior Corrosion Technologist
  • FICorr members have automatic entitlement to the status of NACE Corrosion Specialist
  • Opportunities to be formally nominated by ICorr as a UL representative on an ISO International Standards Committee

How Much Does Membership Cost?

We have several tiers of membership, from the free student membership to professional memberships:

  • Student membership is free
  • Affiliate membership is £86 per year with a new applicant registration fee of £15
  • Technician Status (TICorr) is £98 per year
  • MICorr is £122 per year
  • FICorr (Fellow) is £152 per year

FICorr membership for less than the cost of one flat white coffee per week! And no matter how you dress it up, that coffee isn’t going to deliver the benefits that ICorr membership does.

To apply for Affiliate Membership of the Institute of Corrosion, use this link to fill in the application form online.

To apply for professional membership of ICorr, click here and download the appropriate application for completion.

Not sure which membership level is right for you? Contact us and we’ll help you navigate your membership options.

Unlocking the Benefits of ICorr Membership

What Is the Role of the Corrosion Engineering Division in ICorr?

Promoting Excellence in Corrosion Engineering

Within the Institute of Corrosion, the Corrosion Engineering Division (CED) provides an informal forum for the exchange of ideas and information pertaining to corrosion engineering issues.

Current CED Chair Dr Danny Burkle (LBBC Baskerville) describes the benefits of CED membership as follows:

We’re here to facilitate the sharing of experience and ideas, but CED is much more than this.

We also provide superb networking opportunities among our membership and in the wider corrosion community. For example, our work often means a lot of liaising with the working parties of international organisations such as EFC and AMPP.”

Structure of the Corrosion Engineering Division

Operating under the guidance of both the CED chair who reports CED activities to the Council of the Institute of Corrosion, and CED Coordinator Dr Douglas Mills, the CED is currently structured in five working groups:

  • Cathodic Protection (current chair Agresh Sharma)
  • Nuclear (current chair Nick Smart)
  • Coatings (chair is currently vacant)
  • All Energy group (current chair Steve Paterson) – combining Oil, Gas and Renewable Energy Technologies
  • Corrosion in Concrete (current chair Chris Atkins) ─ combined with ICorr, Concrete Society and Corrosion Prevention Association Joint Liaison Committee)

Each group is responsible for a range of activities pertinent to its overarching function. They operate through a variety of means, including in-person meetings and through electronic media, as well as making use of the ICorr website.

The chairs of the individual working groups will liaise with the corresponding working groups in international bodies such as EFC, AMPP, WCO, ASTM, etc.,” says Danny. “This is crucial, as the CED aims for its activities to complement the activities of other recognised bodies rather than compete with them.

Roles and Responsibilities of the CED

The structure of the CED ensures that it maximises some of its key responsibilities. These include:

  • Providing a mechanism for members to jointly prepare documents that are of immediate and practical use to them in their field of activity. These include codes of practice, guidelines for processes and techniques, input to standards bodies, and more. Such documents are available to download through the Members Area of the ICorr website.
  • Providing opportunities for members to network with other members and the wider corrosion community.
  • Offering guidance on career growth and development, enabling members to identify which specific training, coaching, and mentoring opportunities are suitable for their unique needs.
  • CED activities are driven by the needs of the members, who can be drawn from across the spectrum of member organisations (i.e. industry, academia, research organisations, etc.).

In addition to its role in all the above, the CED is responsible for organising an annual Working Day and Symposium. This is a full-day meeting, including several technical talks by leading industry and academic professionals, working group meetings, tours of the venue (which is usually at various locations across the United Kingdom with relevance to engineering), and presentation of the prestigious Paul McIntyre Award.

This is a fantastic opportunity to network with other corrosion professionals from a range of different industry sectors,” says Danny, “as well as to learn about how corrosion prevention techniques can help preserve equipment and infrastructure within their organisations.

Copies of the talks are placed in the members’ area of the ICorr website and an article about the meeting will appear in the issue of Corrosion Management following the event.”

How to Benefit from the CED

Like the Institute itself, the CED is run by its members for the benefit of its members. It plays a key role in achieving the Institute’s objectives. Its success depends upon the dedication of its members. If you would like to become a member of the CED, or to become involved in its working groups, please contact CED Chair Danny Burkle or email the Institute of Corrosion.

Passive Fire Protection: the PFP Inspector For Cementitious Fireproofing Course: L2 and L3

Passive Fire Protection: the PFP Inspector For Cementitious Fireproofing Course: L2 and L3

A Case Study in ICorr’s Course Due Diligence Process

The PFP (Passive Fire Protection) Inspector Cementitious Course L2 and L3 will soon be released for enrolment. Like other ICorr accredited courses, these deliver world-leading training within a specific specialism. They build upon our existing PFP training to broaden and deepen our offering in this crucial market competence.

This article dives into our due diligence process. It gives you a flavour of our rigorous approach to ensuring that the training courses we provide:

  • Excel in the content provided;
  • Meet the expectations of the market; and
  • Are delivered in a format that is most appropriate for course delivery and for course participants.

Our courses are offered directly by ICorr or, like the PFP courses and others, through a third-party training provider.

Why Is There a Need to Focus on Cementitious Passive Fire Protection?

The hydrocarbon PFP market is divided between the supply of epoxy and cementitious coatings. Traditionally, epoxy is mostly used offshore because of its weight advantages over cementitious, while cementitious is more often used onshore. However, in recent years we have witnessed a shift in the use of epoxy in onshore assets as the price for the product and application has come closer to cementitious.

There are also new cementitious products that perform extremely well, even in a jet fire scenario. As such new products become available, the market needs professionals who understand their capabilities and limitations, and how to utilise their strengths.

In terms of area coated, the ratio of cementitious applications outnumber epoxy coatings by a high margin. This being said, there are regional discrepancies. For example, the U.S.A is currently using a lot of epoxy onshore.

In summary, the market is calling for professionals to be better qualified in cementitious PFP because it is both more prevalent and the advances being made require more advanced knowledge and skills.

How Has the PFP Cementitious Course Been Developed?

As with all training courses accredited by ICorr, there is a multi-step development process.

The first of these steps is for ICorr to identify and commission course development and delivery. In this case, ICorr turned to PFPNet.

PFPNet was established with the remit of increasing understanding and competency across the whole hydrocarbon passive fire protection industry. Its primary goal is to ensure that all those responsible for manufacturing, specifying, installing, maintaining, inspecting, and purchasing PFP have the knowledge available to them to avoid potentially hazardous and expensive mistakes.

PFPNet employed an industry expert with over 30 years’ broad experience in cementitious fire protection to write the content of the course. This work was then reviewed by PFPNet members with detailed experience from supply, design, application, and inspection of cement-based products.

The final work was to blend the cementitious specific course material with the general fire protection training which had been developed for the epoxy PFP inspector course.

Approving and testing the course

With the course written, it is passed to ICorr’s Surface Treatment Governing Board (STGB). The STGB identifies suitable reviewers and, upon the course appraisal, will make recommendations to ensure that the new course meets the standards required for approval to be given. However, this approval is not the end of the journey.

Subsequent to approval, ICorr runs a Pilot Course. This is attended by experts within the industry, including manufacturers and applicators. The date for this pilot course is September 2023, and it will be presented at the Institute of Mechanical (IMechE) in Sheffield, UK. ICorr has recently signed a 10-year extension to its strategic partnership with IMechE to deliver industry-leading corrosion and coatings trainings.

This course will be presented by Mike Ogles, who has more than 30 years’ experience in passive fire protection with both cementitious and epoxy materials. He has been involved in the testing, specification application and general support for these products with a global knowledge.

Final Sign-Off

Those attending the pilot course provide extensive feedback. This is used by the course developer to make adjustments to the course, which is then re-submitted to the STGB for its final review and sign-off. It is only at this stage that the course can be released and marketed to industry.

Course Format

These new Cementitious PFP courses have been designed to be delivered in a blended format by IMechE as follows:

  • L2 is either an online or classroom course.
  • L3 is in 3 parts:
    • A pre-learning package.
    • 3 days of classroom which includes an exam.
    • A Peer Review, which is conducted by PFPNet.

Pre-Register to Reserve Your Place on the PFP Inspector Cementitious Course L2 and L3

This article has outlined the rigorous approach that ICorr and its partners takes to developing, marketing, and presenting training within the corrosion industry. It’s why our training is so widely recognised as being world-class and industry-leading.

We anticipate the PFP Inspector Cementitious Course L2 and L3 will be launched in September 2023 after final sign-off has been received.

Though (at the time of writing) the course is not yet being marketed, we are accepting pre-registrations (we currently have 35 pre-registrations). If you would like to pre-register, please contact Dale O’Reilly at IMechE (Dale.O’Reilly@IMECHE.org).

Meet the Corrosion Specialist: Dr Yunnan Gao

Meet the Corrosion Specialist: Dr Yunnan Gao

11 Questions in 11 Minutes

This month, we have been speaking to Dr Yunnan Gao, twice past Chair of the Aberdeen Branch of the Institute of Corrosion and recently elected as the Institute’s Vice President.

A Fellow of ICorr (FICorr), a certified corrosion specialist of AMPP, a chartered engineer (CEng), a chartered scientist (CSci), and a fellow of Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (FIMMM), Yunnan currently works for BP as a Pressure System Integrity Engineer based in Sunbury.

Here is what he told us about his career to date – plus a couple of little-known facts about his personal life.

1.     What did you aspire to be when you were younger?

When I was young, I held an aspiration to become a doctor. I was deeply inspired by a doctor’s ability to alleviate suffering and provide comfort to those in need. The idea of being able to diagnose and treat ailments resonated with my innate curiosity and compassion.

Though I didn’t manage to study medicine, I did become a doctor – though in engineering.

2.     So, how did you end up as a corrosion specialist?

Having completed my PhD, MSc and BEng in materials and metallurgy, I was offered a job as a Material and Corrosion engineer at the former Research and Technology Centre of British Gas (later becoming DNV GL). I had two great mentors, Dr Tim Illson and Dr Glyn Morgan. It is to them that I owe my love of corrosion.

3.     What was that first job like?

That first foray into material and corrosion engineering proved to be a significant milestone in my career. I was excited to apply my academic knowledge and skills that I had developed in the realm of professional engineering.

Over the course of five-and-a-half years in that first job, I tackled many industrial issues and challenges related to material and corrosion for worldwide clients. From conducting laboratory tests to carrying out desktop studies, from polishing metal samples and examining them using microscopy, to running corrosion modelling and undertaking risk-based assessment, I played a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and reliability of equipment.

Most of the projects I worked on in my first job were in the oil and gas industry, including material selection, corrosion modelling, risk-based assessment, and integrity threat assessments. I also carried out various projects for global oil and gas operators and Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractors which included secondments to Oman and London to fulfil project requirements.

4.     You decided to stick with oil and gas. How did your career progress?

In September 2013, I moved to Aberdeen in the UK North Sea working as a Senior Corrosion Engineer. Here I was tasked with overseeing the assets of Repsol Sinopec (formerly Talisman). This included working under the integrity management contract of Lloyd’s Register and Atkins and in-house employment.

In 2020, I was contracted by Saipem in France as a corrosion specialist and worked on some exciting asset integrity projects with ENI and Total assets. Subsequently, in 2021 I worked for Stork as a Senior Integrity Engineer managing pressure system integrity management of two assets owned by INEOS.

I joined BP in Sunbury, London in May 2022 as a Pressure Systems and Integrity Engineer, responsible for deploying the integrity management programmes to BP’s global oil and gas assets.

5.     What have you enjoyed most about your career in corrosion?

The diverse and challenging nature of corrosion has made my career in this field immensely enjoyable and meaningful. The ever-evolving challenges and constant need for innovative solutions have kept me engaged and driven. Each project presents a unique set of circumstances, requiring a thorough understanding of materials, environmental factors, and corrosion mechanisms.

Furthermore, I have relished the opportunity to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive strategies for corrosion prevention and mitigation. The continuous learning and problem-solving aspects of the job have allowed me to expand my knowledge and expertise, making each day both exciting and fulfilling.

Being a large, global company, my current employer, BP, offers me the privilege of working within many interesting activities.

6.     What career advice would you give to a young corrosion specialist?

To be open to continuous learning and remain updated with the latest advances in the corrosion field. One of the most exciting aspects of this industry is that corrosion is a dynamic discipline with new technologies, materials, and techniques emerging regularly.

Therefore, investing time in attending conferences, workshops, and seminars, as well as engaging in relevant professional organisations, like the Institute of Corrosion (ICorr), can greatly enhance one’s knowledge and expertise.

Additionally, seeking mentorship from experienced corrosion professionals can provide valuable guidance and insights – and the Institute is a great organisation for networking and finding mentors.

7.     What is in store for corrosion professionals?

I believe that the growing emphasis on sustainability and environmental protection will drive the development of innovative corrosion prevention and mitigation technologies. This includes the exploration of new materials, coatings, and corrosion-resistant alloys.

Additionally, the integration of digital technologies will revolutionise the way corrosion is managed. Corrosion professionals will play a vital role in implementing and optimising these advanced techniques to enhance asset integrity and lifespan.

8.     What have you gained from your membership of ICorr?

Being a member of the ICorr has been an invaluable experience, enriching both my personal and professional growth. ICorr’s seminars, workshops, and technical sessions have provided excellent platforms for networking with fellow corrosion professionals, sharing knowledge, and staying abreast of the latest advances in the field.

As a committee member of ICorr Aberdeen Branch for 9 years, and as its Chair for two sessions in a row, I have developed a rich, first-hand experience on the operation regional branches and their value and impact to the whole ICorr community, corrosion industry, and beyond.

Finally, while serving on the professional membership assessment committee (PAC) for three years, I have had the opportunity to assess and welcome new and like-minded corrosion professionals to the ICorr Community. This has been inspiring and self-fulfilling.

Let’s get personal with the corrosion professional!

We know that corrosion scientists aren’t all work and no play, so we asked Yunnan three final questions to learn a little more about him personally.

9.     What’s your favourite food?

Although I left China for the UK 20 years ago, my favourite food is still Chinese food, especially hot and spicy dishes. From classic dishes like Kung Pao chicken and Mapo tofu, to lesser-known delights like Chongqing hot pot, Chinese hot and spicy cuisine never fail to tantalise my senses.

10. What do you like doing most outside of your professional life?

Watching sports is one of my favourite pastimes. In terms of physical activity, playing basketball and badminton are top choices for me. The strategic gameplay of badminton motivates me to play. Another activity I thoroughly enjoy is swimming, which helps me relax and recharge. Lastly, I like jogging as it allows me to maintain a healthy lifestyle as well as clear my mind.

11. Tell us a secret about yourself, something that might surprise fellow members (and something we can print!)

Over the last three years I have spent much of my spare time learning French. I’ve found it to be a beautiful language and easy to become immersed in its grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. I find great joy in exploring the intricacies of the language and striving to improve my knowledge and use of it, although I am still at the very basic level as we speak.

What do you want to ask a corrosion specialist?

Like so many other members of ICorr, Yunnan has enjoyed a career that has delivered huge variety of work and, aided by his involvement with the Institute of Corrosion, a network of professional colleagues and friends around the world.

Thank you, Yunnan, for your involvement in ICorr and your contribution as a corrosion specialist.

Right then, readers! What would you like us to ask the next ICorr member in our next ‘Meet the Corrosion Specialist’ interview? If you have a question for them, send us an email and we’ll try to get it answered.