The branch has restarted their popular ‘golf days’. This year it will be held on 29th June at Heyrose Golf Club, Knutsford. Tee off starts at 12.00, and the fee for members and guests is £32, which includes a cuppa and bacon roll). There will be a buffet at 17:30 followed by the branch AGM at 18:00. The buffet is free to ICorr members who stay for the AGM, and £10 for guests.
For further information contact the chairman at, greg.brown@mottmac.com.
The branch has been relaunched after a period of inactivity, in what many believe is perfect timing for the industry, with the NE becoming the central hub for many major construction projects.
The chair of the new committee is Lee Wilson, and the other members are,
Bruno Ravel – Vice chair
Chris Langley – Secretary
Josie Watson – Treasurer, and
Young ICorr link
Matt Fletcher – Events
Patrick Johnson
David Mobbs – Branch support
The branch is planning to hold its technical meetings in collaboration with the Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineering, who are based in the heart of Newcastle. A full programme is being planned, along with a social event in the winter.
A brief introduction of some of the committee members, and their areas of expertise is given below:
Chairman: Lee Wilson, C.Eng, FICorr, is an AMPP and ICorr certified instructor, and has authored several books aimed at the inspector. He has over 25 years of experience in our industry and has worked on some of the world’s largest oil and gas projects,
Branch support: David Mobbs, C.Eng, MICorr, has spent 42 years in the protective coating industry working for major paint manufacturers, a contractor and one of the largest engineering consultants. He has been a London Branch committee member for over 20 years, and will assist the new branch committee.
Vice chair: Bruno Ravel, has a background in chemistry and has specialist knowledge of coating formulation and testing in relation to the heavy-duty coating market.
He has worked for 10 years as a formulator for many paint companies in the marine and protective coating sector including one of the world’s largest heavy-duty paint companies.
The expertise and background of the other members will be given in the next magazine. Full details of the branch’s technical meetings will be given in the up-coming magazines, and on the Institute website.
The April branch meeting was joint with The Welding Institute, and Dr Patrick Lydon, IACS Corrosion Engineering, gave a presentation on “The Corrosion and Safety Hazards Associated with AC and DC Interference on Onshore Pipelines”. This was a hybrid meeting, with 23 attendees in person, and 20 online, approximately half of these from oversees.
Pat explained that one of the main concerns associated with AC, and also DC, stray current interference on pipelines is that it can in certain circumstances result in high rates of corrosion, even if a pipeline system has fully effective levels of cathodic protection (CP).
In the case of AC corrosion, the highest reported rate of corrosion in the UK was 2.45mm/yr and that resulted in through-wall corrosion and loss of containment within 2.5 years of the pipeline construction.
A situation was described where a powerline operator had changed the electrical configuration on a power cable system routed close to a pipeline, whilst maintenance work on the cable system was being carried out. This resulted in a sudden increase in AC voltage on the pipeline from 2V to about 20V which resulted in an increase in the AC corrosion rate on the pipeline from 0.02mm/yr to 4.0mm/yr.
Pat pointed out that it is not only higher rates of corrosion that pipeline operators should be concerned about but also the electrical safety risks to personnel working on pipelines from short term and long-term AC interference. AC voltages can be induced on pipelines from low frequency inductive coupling between buried and above ground pipelines, where they are routed in close proximity to high voltage powerlines.
Historically pipeline designers did not consider the proximity to electrical substations and powerline pylons when selecting a pipeline route. Thus, in the event of a ‘phase to earth fault’ on the electrical systems there could be an enhanced touch potential risk to personnel working on a pipeline from the resultant ground potential rise (GPR) effects during short term interference events. The fault currents can result in high localised voltage gradients, which can transfer potentially fatal touch voltages to pipelines, presenting a safety risk to personnel working on a pipeline system.
Pat then pointed out that the standard that addresses the touch potential limits is BS EN 50443 “Effects of electromagnetic interference on pipelines caused by high voltage AC electric traction systems and/or high voltage AC. power supply systems”. However, the voltages specified in this standard are in excess of those adopted in other countries and in other industries. The limits stated in BS EN 50443 only apply to electrically instructed personnel, and for a specified footwear insulation resistance, which may not be achievable when working on a pipeline. It was pointed out that current guidance is to use an alternative to this standard to specify maximum touch potential limits.
Examples of pipeline damage due to lightning or an arc strike, where loss of containment has occurred where shown. Lightning damage can result in through wall perforation in a relatively short time period. Figure 2 shows an example of a high voltage surge damage to 3-layer polyethylene coated pipeline.
An example of the damage that an arc strike from a 400kV power cable onto a buried gas main was also given. The arc strike occurred because a fire had occurred in a wooded area underneath the powerlines.
The fire changed the dielectric strength of the air and resulted in an arc which hit a pipeline and caused the damage shown on Figure 3.
The basic safety guidance for work on pipelines located within the vicinity of overhead and buried powerlines was discussed, and information provided on recommended safe practices when working near HV power cables, together with details on plant and personnel separation and clearance distances.
It was pointed out that when pipelines are strung out above ground for welding, close to HV overhead power cables, there is the risk of inductive and capacitive coupling creating relatively high AC voltages on the pipeline sections, which can affect welding operations but also create a touch potential risk. To mitigate this risk, each end of the above ground pipeline section should be earthed.
The presentation included the factors that pipeline operators and designers need to consider when assessing and mitigating the risks from electrical interference on pipelines which relate, not just to touch potential risks, but also the ignition risks from pipework or cables carrying electrical current.
Pat also explained that pipeline operators often isolate the pipeline CP system before performing welding operations to ensure that when pipelines are cut, there is no spark potential risk from the CP current. However, the magnitude of the AC current flowing in a pipeline where it is routed close to powerlines can be at least an order of magnitude greater than the DC current and can result in an incendive ignition risk when pipework is cut.
It is important that not just the DC current, but AC current flowing in a pipeline, is considered. This is because switching off a CP system may not remove all ignition sources. It is important to ensure a solid bond is in place before pipework is cut or removed. There should also be sufficient slack cable in the bond to allow for pipe movement when a pipe is cut, which could otherwise result in cable detachment.
Surge protection on pipelines was also discussed and information provided on how surge protection on cross country pipelines may compromise plant earthing systems. DC decoupling devices e.g polarisation cell replacements (PCR)s can facilitate the flow of AC current through earth cables within above ground installations (AGI)s and compromise the specific earthing arrangements in AGIs.
The presentation concluded with examples of situations where DC stray current corrosion has occurred due to incorrect welding operations. High rates of corrosion were observed within a relatively short time.
There was a lively question and answer session, and Pat was then thanked for his excellent presentation and presented with a pen on behalf of London Branch, and a paperweight from TWI.
The next branch technical evening will be on 13th October, and details of the speaker/topic will be given in the summer magazine, and also on the ICorr website.
Figure 1, Typical AC corrosion on FBE coated pipeline.
Figure 2, Lightning Strike on 3-Layer Polyethylene Coated Pipeline.
Figure 3, Damage to pipeline caused by arc strike.
We are very pleased to announce ICORR Aberdeen’s 2022 Annual Corrosion Forum (ACF) will be held on Tuesday 30th August 2022. Please note that this year’s topic is focused on Energy Transition and Presserv Ltd https://presserv.com/uk/ are the kind sponsor of this key event. We are also proud to announce a special guest, Bill Hedges, President of the Institute of Corrosion as Keynote Speaker, (please see full day programme attached for you). For the first time, the annual corrosion forum will be a HYBRID event and can be attended in person or virtually via a Zoom.
The venue for those wishing to attend in person will be local to Aberdeen, UK and will be communicated in due course. There will be an early bird discount for those who register before* 1st August 2022. There will also be a discount for attendees who are Members of ICorr. Simply supply your membership number with your application to be eligible.
Pricing details are summarised below:
| Attendance Type |
Regular Pricing
|
ACF Early Bird*/ ICorr Member |
| In Person |
£149.99+VAT
|
£74.99+ VAT (Discount Offer) |
| Virtual | £74.99 + VAT |
£39.99 + VAT (Discount Offer) |
All proceeds will support the continued work of ICorr as a leading authority on Corrosion and provider of Corrosion Prevention resources.
If you would like to attend this event, please complete Registration form with payment and return it to admin@icorr.org. Please note that spaces to attend this event in person are strictly limited and will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.
We trust this event information is helpful. We look forward to your attendance.
Yours sincerely
Olubayo Latinwo
ICorr Aberdeen Branch Vice Chair”
First awarded in 2017, the Paul McIntyre Award is our premier award in the field of corrosion engineering. It is presented to a senior corrosion engineer by the President of the Institute of Corrosion at the Corrosion Engineering Division’s Working Day and Symposium.
In addition to the recipient being a senior engineer, the criteria includes that he or she is a leading practitioner in his or her field who has advanced European collaboration and the development of international standards.
This year, we returned to an in-person Working Day held at the National Railway Museum in York. It certainly proved to be a Working Day and Symposium to Remember, especially for Chris Lynch, who received the Paul McIntyre Award at the end of the morning’s session.
Dr Paul McIntyre was determined, invariably polite and accommodating, and had an endearing, dry sense of humour. His career spanned industry, asset management, and editorial work, as well as working on standardisation within the industry.
After graduating from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Paul spent the initial stages of his career in industry. He moved south in 1978, to join the Central Electricity Research Laboratories in Leatherhead. As Group Leader, he spearheaded studies into stress corrosion, localised corrosion, and corrosion fatigue in conventional and nuclear power plants.
Later in his career, Paul became involved in asset management and remaining life assessment of components, including the development of remedial methodologies such as reliability, availability, and maintenance (RAM) and reliability centred maintenance (RCM).
Between 1996 and 2006, he was the editor of the British Corrosion Journal, though editorial work was not his only foray into the written word in the corrosion industry. Paul authored around 60 published papers and over 200 technical reports.
Paul was never one to rest on his laurels, and thrived on demanding work. If he wasn’t at work, he was deliberating, or brainstorming, or advising. Between 2004 and 2010, he worked as consultant in the Electrochemistry and Corrosion group at NPL. He put his insight and engineering experience to work in producing critical analysis of a wide range of failure investigations including fracture of wind turbine bolts and corrosion pitting in desalination plants, as well as providing informed corrosion control guidance to industry.
Paul also had nearly 30 years of participation in corrosion standardisation as a member of BSI and ISO committees. This included time served as Chair of ISO/NFE 8 Corrosion of metals and alloys, and UK representative on the equivalent ISO committee TC 156 and within that being secretary of WG 2 Stress Corrosion Cracking and member of WG 7 Accelerated Corrosion Tests.
He made an immense contribution as Scientific Secretary of the EFC.
He was also on the Council of the Institute of Corrosion from the early 2000s, specialising in standards work and pan-European activities.
In 2003 Paul was awarded the T. B. Marsden Prize of IOM3 for his considerable achievements in promoting standards, education, and publishing in corrosion and materials. In citation for the award, the Chair of ISO TC 156 said, “Paul has provided more input into the development of ISO standards in the corrosion field than any other individual”.
Unfortunately, Paul was diagnosed with secondary liver cancer in 2012, and, despite his spirit and fight, he sadly passed away in 2012.
The Paul McIntyre Award is a befitting celebration in his memory, and an inspiration to all those who follow him.
Chris Lynch graduated from the University of Leeds in 1990.
He began his working career as a junior corrosion engineer at Aberdeen Corrosion Engineers Limited, and remained in the north of Scotland for more than 10 years. Extensive travel took him into Europe and the Middle East, while working onshore and offshore.
Employed by Corrpro Companies Europe Limited in 2005, he is now Senior Engineering Manager and responsible for cathodic protection engineering, site services, and the power unit design personnel.
Like Paul McIntyre, Chris is dedicated to his work and an avid learner. He also believes it is important to give back to the industry he loves and that has rewarded him well.
Also like Paul McIntyre, Chris has served on many committees and with industry bodies. He is Chair of a BSI committee, and has presented training and development courses. He has an international outlook, and thrives on exchange of information with his peers from around the globe. A Chartered Engineer, his rollcall includes:
In accepting the Paul McIntyre Award, Chris said:
“I would like to thank those who have voted for me to receive the Paul McIntyre Award for 2022. This is a great honour for me.
“I would like to dedicate it to all the people who have contributed to my success, many of whom I have met whilst doing the work that Paul himself did tirelessly and for so many years himself.
“It is wonderful that my work with GEL/603 and with ISO and CEN standards committees and working groups has been recognised with this award. The work is so varied and with communities such as CEOCOR, the approach is unique and informal.
“To be honest, it is not work at all. It is fun.
“There is much to be gained in international standards work and I have built up friendships with peers and experts across Europe and the wider world. I have gained so much more than can be taught on courses or read in presentations, papers, or visiting exhibitions.
“I believe we all have something to share. Perhaps an experience we have had that is unique or a set of interesting data we have gathered; or a job that went wrong that others would benefit from in hindsight.”
The similarities between Dr Paul McIntyre and Chris Lynch are uncanny. A worthy recipient of our most prestigious corrosion engineering award.
To learn more about the Institute of Corrosion Awards, click here.
To discover how you can become a member of the Institute of Corrosion, and ways in which membership can help develop your career, or how you can give back to the industry by sharing your knowledge and experience with those who are developing theirs, please contact us.
