Corrosion under insulation (CUI) is a long-time problem in petrochemical, refinery, and marine environments, and is estimated to be 40-60% of piping maintenance costs in the oil and gas industry, in addition undetected CUI on pipes carrying hazardous liquids may lead to leaks and potential explosions. To tackle this dangerous and costly problem, Cortec® Corporation has developed CorroLogic® CUI Inhibitor Injection, a new vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitor technology that simplifies protection for insulated pipes covering a high range of temperatures.
CUI happens when moisture and other corrosive media enter insulation after wraps or jackets are compromised, or when condensation builds up, often unnoticed, beneath the insulation. This is especially a problem for piping that undergoes wet-dry, or high-low temperature, cycling. The threat of CUI is potentially even greater on offshore platforms, or in other marine environments where chloride-rich sea spray can infiltrate the insulation. According to the company, CorroLogic® CUI Inhibitor Injection, a new high-temperature 100% Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI/VpCI®) is available to protect against corrosion under insulation (CUI). As its name implies, CorroLogic® CUI Inhibitor can be injected directly into insulating material.
The corrosion inhibiting vapour migrates from the injection point along the pipe to form a hydrophobic protective layer on metal surfaces beneath the insulation. This passive layer is long-lasting, and could protect the surface in the presence of chloride-containing moisture, and withstand high temperatures up to 350 °C, concluded the company. In addition to preventing CUI, the company also claims the technology can also be used for the corrosion protection of aboveground storage tanks, and void space protection.
