Linc Energy Blog

Trenton, the manufacturer of Wax-Tape, a corrosion prevention system which provides long lasting protection for above and belowground pipelines, is expanding their product line. The long time manufacturer of the petroleum based tape is providing an alternative to those who prefer using liquid epoxy coating.

Tags: corrosion prevention, corrosion control, fbe pipeline coating, liquid epoxy coating

Trenton Corporation, the manufacturer of corrosion prevention systems is introducing a new wax-tape coating which offers corrosion protection of metal pipe and irregular shaped fixtures in higher temperature applications.

Tags: corrosion control, anti-corrosion, corrosion prevention

Linc Energy is a manufacturers’ representative and stocking distributor for Trenton corrosion prevention systems commonly used in oil and natural gas pipelines. The Michigan based company has manufactured wax-based anticorrosion protective systems since 1949. All over the world, Trenton Corporation products have been used to protect thousands of miles of pipelines.

Tags: pipeline corrosion, corrosion control, anti-corrosion, corrosion prevention

With the recent rash of natural gas pipeline explosions, many caused by pipeline corrosion, there is a watchful eye on how owners are handling the maintenance and repair of their pipelines. To some companies the problems may seem bigger than life as there are millions of miles of aging natural gas pipelines in the United States alone. Pipeline owners are being forced to take a proactive stance to this problem by identifying areas of their lines which are in need of repair, remediation or restoration.

A product called A+ Wrap manufactured by Pipe Wrap LLC has been identified as an effective method to extend the life of high pressure natural gas pipelines. The product has been tested, approved and meets D.O.T. requirements as a permanent pipeline repair. The repair solution is a strong composite sleeving system which permanently repairs gouges, cracks, dents as well as external defects associated with pipe that has been compromised as much as 80 %. The A+ Wrap system is composed of a two-part putty which is activated when mixed together, along with a composite wrap; it is pliable, water activated and restores pipe to its full-strength condition.

A+ Wrap repairs defects near welded areas (up to 50% wall loss) or along any shapes or configurations including reducers, bends, tees, manifolds or elbows. However, it does not repair cracks, gouges or dents in longitudinal or girth welds.

A+ Wrap requires no special tools for installation and can be installed on wet or dry surfaces or even submerged in water. The product however, can only be installed by trained personnel with factory or representative certification. The manufacturer also requires the installer be recertified annually. In Colorado and the Rocky Mountain States, Linc Energy Systems is a certified trainer.

As with other water-activated composite sleeving systems, A+ Wrap has a smart pig detect-ability element without the drawback of creating cathodic reactions.

Pipe Wrap's A+ Wrap has been identified as an effective alternative to sleeves, welding or complete pipe replacement. With the ever increasing amount of deteriorating pipeline in the United States, I’m sure we’ll hear more about the use of Pipe Wrap to repair or restore our aging pipelines.

For other helpful ideas on this issue, visit Effective corrosion prevention methods for pipelines. 

Tags: pipeline restoration, pipe remediation, pipe repair, pipeline corrosion, gas explosion, corrosion control, gas pipline explosion, damage prevention, corrosion prevention

The subject of pipeline corrosion is all over the news these days. Perhaps the San Bruno explosion in September has heightened my senses to the issue, or perhaps pipeline corrosion is getting its fair share of ink in the press. Just last Friday I learned that there was an incident related to pipeline corrosion in Provo, Utah. At an apartment complex, some residents had been without heat or hot water for over a week because the gas line was shut off because of pipeline corrosion. The line is almost 40 years old.

Can you imagine a week without hot water and heat? What an inconvenience that must have been for the occupants … but how fortunate the situation did not escalate to an incident like the one in San Bruno.

Successful methods to prevent corrosion in pipelines

Unprotected pipelines corrode, no matter where the pipeline is. If it’s buried underground, above ground or in water, it’s going to deteriorate. As 60% of our nation’s transmission lines approach their life expectancy of a half century, we’re hearing more and more about pipeline failures. This should not be a surprise. Without implementing safety measures and having a corrosion control program, corrosion makes transporting hazardous material unsafe.

A successful corrosion control program is a never ending practice. It begins with an effective design and installation of the pipeline, executing corrosion control methods, and maintaining and monitoring the lines. Here are some of the methods NACE (National Association of Corrosion Engineers) recommends as part of a successful corrosion control program to protect oil and gas pipelines. With the exception of the last method, three of the four can be used on existing pipelines.

 

• Cathodic protection (CP) is a method to control corrosion by using a direct electrical current which neutralizes external corrosion typically associated with metal pipe. It is generally used when a pipeline is buried underground or in water. When executed on a new pipeline, cathodic protection can prevent corrosion from the start. On an older pipeline, cathodic protection can impede existing corrosion of the line.

• Coatings and linings are applied to pipelines whether above or below ground and often are used in combination with cathodic protection. (To the right a section of 16” pipe reconditioned with Trenton #1 Wax-Tape and Glas-Wrap. Picture courtesy of Trenton Corporation.)

Another application that is currently getting some attention is the use of fiber-reinforced polymers to strengthen and repair pipelines.

• Corrosion inhibitors are compounds which when added to the upstream pipeline can inhibit the corrosion of carbon and low-alloy steels which are commonly used because of their cost effectiveness.

• Pipeline material used will also significantly influence corrosion. Using materials like plastic, stainless steel or special alloys can enhance the lifetime of the pipeline, while steel or steel reinforced concrete is subject to corrosion.

While the nationwide corrosion issue may seem a bit daunting, I thought it was a good time to discuss some technology we currently have which can indefinitely extend the structural life of our pipelines.

 

Tags: corrosion inhibitors, cathodic protection, repair pipelines, trenton corporation, wax-tape, NACE, anti-corrosion, fiber reinforced polymers, FRP, corrosion prevention

In the wake of the San Bruno gas line explosion, two California senators filed legislation yesterday to increase the regulation of our nation’s pipelines.

Utility companies have been under pressure for years to increase their inspections and replacement of aging pipelines. The San Bruno explosion, resulting in seven fatalities (as of 9/22/10) and leveling nearly 40 homes (destroying over 50), has cranked up the heat even more.

In 2000, a gas pipeline exploded and killed 12 people near Carlsbad, New Mexico. In that explosion, the pipeline was also an aging one, dating back to 1950 and was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The cause of the rupture was determined to be from severe internal pipe corrosion.

Since the San Bruno explosion, reports have surfaced that aging pipelines are a threat to gas pipelines nationwide. The concern has been raised that more than 60% of this country’s transmission lines are over 40 years old and the life expectancy is around 50 years. The majority of these lines are made of steel which is prone to corrosion and many of the pipelines were installed before suburbs emerged, and now present the risk that they could leak or erupt … beneath now populated suburban neighborhoods.

In 2002, a law was passed by congress which required utilities to inspect pipelines that run through densely populated areas. While critics suggest that utility companies don’t want to spend money to inspect and repair aging pipelines, over 3000 problems were identified during the first five years of this legislation. This demonstrates that the regulation has identified and resolved precarious situations, but it also clearly reveals just how unstable our aging pipelines are.

Yesterday, Senator Dianne Feinstein and Senator Barbara Boxer introduced new legislation which would increase regulation of our nation’s pipelines.

“The pipeline explosion in San Bruno was a tragedy that must never occur again in any American neighborhood,” Senator Feinstein stresses in a statement. “That’s why today we are introducing legislation specifically designed to improve pipeline safety – and to establish penalties for violators.

“The American people must be assured that the pipelines that crisscross the nation and run beneath their streets are safe. This legislation is a strong first step in that direction.”

The Strengthening Pipeline Safety and Enforcement Act of 2010 expands on Ray LaHood U.S. Transportation Secretary’s legislation which was proposed last week, and would^(1):
 

• Double the number of federal pipeline inspectors (there are currently 100 inspectors each responsible for inspecting over 2,000 miles)
• Require the use of electronic shut off valves to cut off gas in an emergency rather than manual valves which need to be located and manually turned off
• Order the internal inspection of pipelines by robotic devices, “smart pigs,” or other methods which are deemed equally successful
• Prohibit pipelines from working at high pressure if the line cannot be inspected using effective assessment methods
• Priority will be given to aged pipelines in seismic areas

The legislation, being authored by the two California senators is calling for an increase in penalties for violators of the federal safety regulations. It’s unclear when this legislation will be put to a vote, though we are sure to hear more in the weeks to come.
 

 

 To the left, utility safety worker inspects pipeline and valve wrapped with Trenton Wax Tape for cathodic protection.

 

 

 ⁽¹⁾ California Senators call for tougher pipeline standards

 

Tags: natural gas, damage prevention, San Bruno explosion, gas line rupture, corrosion prevention, cathodic protection, Trenton wax tape, pipeline regulation, Strengthening Pipeline Safety and Enforcement Act