Aberdeen Joint Event with the Energy Institute

Institute News

On Tuesday, 28^th January 2025 the Institute of Corrosion (ICorr) Aberdeen Branch held our annual joint event with Energy Institute. Dr Yifeng Zhang of Imperial College, London, gave a most interesting presentation on ‘Mon Ami – An Integrated Assessment Framework for Evaluating Inspection and Monitoring Strategies for Corrosion Surveillance.’

Yifeng Zhang is a postdoctoral research associate in the Non- Destructive Evaluation (NDE) group at Imperial College. He received his MEng degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 2018 and his PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2022, both from Imperial College. In 2023, Yifeng was awarded the Institute of Physics Bob Chivers Prize for authoring the best research paper in physical acoustics. His research interests focus on the development of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems and their applications in ensuring structural integrity, enhancing operational efficiency, and driving scientific innovation, particularly in the areas of chemical, electrochemical, and energy storage systems.

Synopsis: Corrosion poses a significant challenge to engineering structures, increasing the risk of service disruptions and safety incidents. Traditionally, ultrasonic Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) techniques for corrosion surveillance have relied on either periodic surface scans or continuous monitoring at a limited number of locations, which can prove unreliable. However, recent advancements in sensor technology and autonomous robotic systems have introduced innovative concepts, such as resident robots for asset inspection. These developments now enable the deployment of fleets of reconfigurable sensors capable of collecting spatially and temporally diverse data. To ensure the effectiveness of this new approach, thorough validation and comparison with established methodologies are essential.

The studies intend to assess the efficacy of different hybrid inspection/monitoring approaches. The proposed solution is a multi-stage framework for performance evaluation with 3 critical steps:

• Model 4D defect evolution in space and time.
• Performance assessment for different inspection and monitoring approaches in various scenarios.
• Simulate NDE measurement and associated errors.

In Stage 1 the NDE Group Model Uniform Corrosion

• Uniform corrosion is described as uniform thickness loss and change in surface roughness over time.

The NDE group can also model defect growth: Three contributing factors to the stochasticity of defect growth rate are:

• Dt 
• Pit initiation time 
•   Initial pit growth rate

Secondly, the NDE group model Spatial Aspect of localised defects which is the defect geometry and spatial footprint.

The measurement accuracy depends on factors such as:

• Location 
• Relative size
•         Surface roughness

A hemispherical shape is assumed, defined by pit aspect ratio (AR=diameter/depth) The defect spatial distribution is uniform (i.e. random) and the position of corrosion follows certain distributions (e.g. Concentrated frequently at 6 o’clock position of a pipe).

In matching real-life measurements, the NDE group generates a corrosion map that resembles in-field measurements at a specific point in time, and we calculate the thickness distribution and extrapolate its evolution both before and after.

In the 3^rd part of the process, the NDE group aims to understand measurement error due to the applied NDE techniques. An NDE filter is configured based on findings from previous studies of the effect of surface roughness on ultrasonic thickness measurements. Finally, the NDE group assesses the error associated with data acquisition procedures and applies that to the modelling.

Regular inspection is conducted by corrosion mapping or C-scan.

For spatial coverage, a full scan gives comprehensive information on asset conditions, while a partial scan by subsampling is often required due to access and cost constraints. Regarding inspection intervals, the data acquisition is programmed for selected time instances and is a time-based, risk-based or compliance-based inspection.

Alternatively, monitoring can be performed using permanently installed sensors. Data is then acquired via a small number of sensors ‘permanently’ installed on structures (potentially at the identified hotspots) to monitor thickness loss with enhanced temporal resolution.

Ultrasonic data can be used to match trends to those of chemical and operating data to give insights into rate of corrosion and causes.

The integrated framework allows for the assessment of various mixed inspection and monitoring scenarios, highlighting the potential benefits of the proposed hybrid approach. Furthermore, the framework has been developed into a stand-alone graphical user interface (GUI), offering researchers and industry professionals a versatile tool to evaluate degradation phenomena relevant to their applications.

Please contact the Aberdeen Branch Chair ABZchair@icorr.org if you wish to present at future events, or for any further information on upcoming events and check www.icorr.org/events/

Further information about the Aberdeen Branch, and past presentations, may be found on their Website page: Aberdeen Branch – Institute of Corrosion https://www.icorr.org/aberdeen/ under Local Technical Programme and to join the Aberdeen Branch mailing list, please contact: ABZchair@icorr.org

Photo: Dr Yifeng Zhang of Imperial College Presenting.
Photo: Degradation Phenomena.
Figure 1: Uniform Corrosion Modelling.
Figure 2: Defect Growth Rate.
 

Photo: The Use of Permanently Installed Sensors in Critical Areas.
Fig 3: Ideal Use of Permanently Installed Sensors.

 
Fig 4: Procedure to Assess the Efficacy of Hybrid Monitoring Approaches

Photo: ICorr Aberdeen and Energy Institute Aberdeen, Highlands and Islands Branch Committee Members with Dr Yifeng Zhang of Imperial College, London (4^th From Right).

Corrosion Engineering Division Working Day

Institute News

Awareness Day 2025: Innovation in Corrosion Engineering

The Corrosion Engineering Division (CED) is excited to host its annual Working Day and Symposium on 24^th April 2025, aligning with Corrosion Awareness Day. This year’s event will take place at the Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre in Teesside, bringing together experts, industry leaders, and academics to discuss “Innovations in Corrosion Engineering for Sustainable Energy Systems.”

Why You Should Attend?

With the global energy transition in full force, corrosion remains a critical challenge across industries, from renewable energy infrastructure to CCUS, hydrogen, geothermal, and offshore wind. This event will explore innovative solutions and emerging technologies that enhance the durability and sustainability of energy systems.

Event Highlights

• 
Industry Talks from experts in sectors 
including Energy, Nuclear, Coatings, and Cathodic Protection.
• 
Young ICorr Representative providing fresh perspectives and emerging trends.
• 
Presentation of the 2024 Paul McIntyre Award Winner, celebrating excellence in corrosion engineering.
• 
Guided Tour of the Net Zero Centre, offering a first-hand look at state-of-the-art research facilities.
• 
Networking Opportunities with like-minded corrosion professionals.

Programme Overview

Meet Our Sponsors: A huge thank you to our event sponsors:

Registration 
and Sponsorship Opportunities

Event Fees: £75 (ICorr Members), £95 (Non-Members), FREE (Students) – Fee’s include refreshments and lunch

Exhibition Stand Package: £200 + VAT (includes one delegate pass)

Early Bird Discount: 10% off before 5th April 2025

Contact Danny Burkle

(Chair, ICorr Corrosion Engineering Division) 
for more information or to secure your place:

Email: CEDchair@icorr.org

Telephone: +44 (0) 7734830749

Spaces are limited – register now to join us!

Danny Burkle

Chair, ICorr Corrosion Engineering Division

Science Council Updates

Institute News

ICorr is a member of the Science Council, which means we can offer you the opportunity to become a Chartered Scientist (CSci).

The Science Council have launched the 2025 dates for our 
FREE online Introduction to Professional Registration Workshops running until the end of December.

Upcoming Workshop Dates:

Tue 29^th April 2025: 14:00-16:00

Mon 19^th May 2025: 12:00-14:00

Thu 19^th June 2025: 10:00-12:00

Mon 14^th July 2025: 10:00-12:00

Tue 9^th September 2025: 14:00-16:00

Mon 13^th October 2025: 10:00-12:00

Tue 11^th November 2025: 10:00-12:00

Mon 8^th December 2025: 10:00-12:00

For further details, please refer to:

Professional registration workshops – The Science Council 
~ : The Science Council ~

These workshops are designed for those interested in learning more about professional registration and provides guidance to start the journey toward achieving it.

Interested? 

Website: 
www.sciencecouncil.org
 X (Twitter): @Science_Council
LinkedIn: @Science-Council

Structural Integrity Course

Institute News

The University of Bristol: 12^th-16^th May 2025

The Structural Integrity Course provides a comprehensive programme covering the key aspects of assessing engineering structures and components under the effects of harsh environments, mechanical loading and high temperatures.

This course presents the fundamental aspects of the different types of corrosion, in terms of both mechanism and corrosion control. The lecture sessions integrate the different parameters that contribute to structural failure, helping delegates to appreciate the impact of design on the risk of failure. Examples of corrosion-induced failures will be provided via case studies from different industries.

Who Should Attend

This course will be of interest to all those involved in material performance and selection and design and/or risk assessment of components/structures operating under complex environmental and loading scenarios.

Learning Outcomes

• 
Understand the key damage mechanisms relating to the different forms of corrosion and environment-assisted cracking in metallic components such as steels and corrosion-resistant alloys.
• 
Identify key material properties that are impacted in components operating within industrial environments. Be aware of testing procedures used to obtain key information on the corrosion and environment-assisted cracking resistance of engineering materials.
• 
Appreciate Risk Based Inspectionassessment approaches to evaluate margins of safety of engineering structures and understand key arguments that can be used to improve/reduce conservatism in assessments.
• 
Recognise the industrial and economic benefitsof implementing a pro-active approach to structural integrity design methods to assure the quality of high-performance metallic products.

Further details and instructions for registration can be found at:

https://shop.bris.ac.uk/conferences-and-events/faculty-of-engineering/department-of-mechanical-engineering/the-structural-integrity-course-sic-2025

Please note that a 10% discount applies across all categories of registration to all paid-up members of the Institute of Corrosion. ICorr members wishing to benefit from this arrangement should contact the course organiser, Dr Nicolas Larrosa, at:

email: nicolas.larrosa@bristol.ac.uk

Refund Policy:

Refunds will be available only when required, in writing and 
with a 15 days’ notice before the start of the course.

Please Note:

The course fee includes attendance for the delegate(s) at “The Structural Integrity Course”. It covers coffee/lunch breaks each day, as well as dinner on Thursday evening. Additionally, the fee includes study materials and a Certificate of Attendance.

Accommodation and other evening meals are not included. Delegates are responsible for the cost of any additional meals, drinks, or services at the course venue.