CorrosieLABS is a unique collaboration between educational and knowledge institutions and industry in the research of Corrosion. The objective is to gain the clearest possible insight into corrosion under insulation (CUI) and its prevention. Sirris, together with Scalda (Vlissingen), developed a research and demonstration facility within CorrosieLABS in which accelerated CUI tests are performed in a realistic situation. Fluves was able to test the ‘Fluves Corrosion’ product.
Challenge
The objective is to gain the clearest possible insight into corrosion under insulation (CUI) and its prevention.
Solution
Fluves Corrosion software detects potential corrosion spots along insulated infrastructure based on temperature measurements. A fiber optic measurement system measures ambient temperature and vibrations along fiber optic cables. With such a system, the temperature and vibrations can be measured continuously every meter for up to 50 kilometers and more of cable with a high level of accuracy (≤ 0.5°C). When insulation becomes wet by water infiltration or condensation, this will lead to a hotspot or coldspot (depending on the tank temperature). This can be detected with the fiber optic measurement system.
Without having to remove the insulation or cladding protection, moisture in insulation which lead to corrosion can continuously be monitored in insulated pipelines & vessels. The measurement system had already been installed at various petrochemical sites in Antwerp, where corrosion was detected that was not detected with standard inspection techniques.
Results
Temperatures in the pipes are kept constant. The insulation was moisturised with fresh water. Two flowrates were brought into the insulation with peristaltic pumps. This was not a constant flowrate but pumped in on the hour mark. Inspection of the insulation took place after the testweek.
On the graph, differences between the pipe insulation moistured with 5 ml (orange) and 80 ml water (blue) injection per hour could clearly be detected. The Fluves corrosion system can detect very small amounts of moisture in the insulation, leading to corrosion.
More information
Visit Fluves Corrosion, download our white paper about corrosion monitoring with fiber optics or let’s have a chat via sales@fluves.com.
