Industry News Appointment of new Engineering Council Chair

Industry News, Uncategorized

Appointment of new Engineering Council Chair

The Engineering Council has announced the appointment of Prof John Chudley CEng FIMarEST to the position of Chair of the Engineering Council’s Board of Trustees. John will take up the role in June 2023 at the Engineering Council’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), at which Professor Chris Atkin CEng FRAeS FREng formally completes his term as Chair.
John has served on the Engineering Council’s Board of Trustees since 2017 and chairs the Registration Standards Committee. He was appointed as Vice-Chair of the Engineering Council in 2021, including supporting the implementation of the Engineering Council’s 2025 Strategy. He has also worked with the Civil Service, including serving as Director of the Learning and Skills Council and the National Apprenticeship Service, where he was instrumental in the development of Higher Apprenticeships and Degree Apprenticeships.

Obituary, Dr Michael John Graham FICorr, 1940-2022

Obituary, Dr Michael John Graham FICorr, 1940-2022

Institute News

The Institute of Corrosion is very sad to announce the passing of Dr Michael John Graham FICorr, on August 2nd 2022, at the age of 82.

Over Michael’s long research career, he published more than 250 papers on his work in corrosion science and engineering, including thin oxide film formation on metals and semiconductors, surface passivation, high temperature oxidation, and the application of surface analytical techniques to degradation of materials. The outstanding nature of his work was recognised by the Institute through the receipt of both the U. R. Evans Award (1994) and the T. P. Hoar Award (1983). He was made a Fellow of the Institute in 1984.

Michael had a distinguished 36 year career at the National Research Council of Canada, starting as a Post-Doctoral Fellow and retiring in 2005 as a Researcher Emeritus. In addition to his ICorr awards, he received the W. R. Whitney Award (2003) and the H. H. Uhlig Award (1997) from NACE, and was Chair of the International Corrosion Council (1996), Chair of the Gordon Research Conference on Corrosion (1985), Co-chair of the 9th International Congress on Metallic Corrosion (1984), and Fellow of NACE (1994).

His leadership responsibilities at the National Research Council of Canada included, Head of Metallic Corrosion and Oxidation, Head of Chemical Characterisation, Head of Surfaces and Interfaces, and Chemistry Division representative to NRC-wide planning and management committees.

He will be particularly remembered for his love of the Gordon Research Conferences on corrosion where he was an active participant in the science and recreational aspects of all but one conference over 47 years. He will be remembered for his sharp mind, determination, fairmindedness, soft-spoken nature, and genuine kindness.

In addition to his love for research in surface science, he was an avid golfer, captained his cricket club in Ottawa,
and played bridge nearly weekly with close friends for over 40 years. Michael was educated at the Creighton School, Carlisle, and the University of Liverpool (B.Sc. with Distinction, 1961; Honours Chemistry, 1962, Ph.D., Surface Chemistry, 1965). In 1998, he was awarded the Honorary Degree of D.Sc. for his contributions to science. He was also a proud recipient of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal (2002).

Michael is survived by his wife and best friend of many years, Lynda Pilkington, his daughter, Karen Lavallee, his sons, John and Andrew, and the mother of his children, Marion Payne.

Adapted from: The Electrochemical Society Interface
31 45 – Winter 2022, www.electrochem.org

North East Branch

Institute News

A joint evening event was held by the branch and the Institute of Mining (NEIMME) in Newcastle on December 18th at the NEIMME, where, Britt Gevaert presented “Humidur Char: Facing Fire in One Coat.”

This was the first event of the reformed Northeast Branch and Lee Wilson’s (previous Chair) contribution to restarting the branch was acknowledged, with his widow also present in the audience. There were nearly 40 attendees in the room and another 30 on-line attendees for the presentation, that had a high level of expectation due to the ground-breaking properties of the product being discussed.

Britt presented Humidur® Char, the one coat Passive Fire Protection (PFP) system. This PFP coating is unique because it has been independently approved and certified for application on minimal prepared steel (St 2), and does not require a primer, nor a reinforcing mesh, even in the most severe fire scenarios. This product has been extensively tested to (High Heat Flux) Jet Fires, Pool Fires and Gas Explosion Resistance, and received Type Approval by the class society DNV. It is currently being utilized by Woodside on both onshore and offshore assets and has been specified for future global projects for various other clients.

At the end of this very informative presentation questions were raised by the audience including local industry experts, and answered by Britt. Following the presentation drinks and snacks were enjoyed by the attendees whilst networking and further discussing the evening’s presentation.

A recording of the presentation can be watched at, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_srzMOfdN0&feature=youtu.be
Future branch events include a presentation and demonstration from PlasmaBlast covering plasma surface cleaning, in March. This will be followed on 22 and 23rd June 2023 by the “Integrity Engineering for a Sustainable Future” conference. This 2-day event will feature a series of technical presentations from leading figures and companies in the renewables sector, followed on the second day by tours of Ore Catapult (offshore renewable energy test and research centre) and Bates Colliery (a Coal Board managed ex-coalmine with 5MW geothermal energy potential). Both events will be held in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Oil and Gas Asset Management: The Part That Corrosion Management Plays

Oil and Gas Asset Management: The Part That Corrosion Management Plays

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Corrosion Science and Engineering in Action in Oil and Gas

As the world attempts to slow the effects of climate change, many strategies are being explored and employed. With so many new technologies and renewable energy sources being deployed, it can feel like traditional energy and oil and gas assets are being left behind.

Yet recent events have shown that this simply is not the case. The world is a long way from jettisoning oil and gas assets from the energy mix. And effective corrosion management is still key to successful operation of oil and gas assets. This can not only prolong the life of assets and pipelines, but it can reduce the release of toxins and harmful by-products into the environment.

Why corrosion management is crucial in oil and gas assets

Corrosion can lead to the failure of oil and gas assets. The resulting leaks and spills can be dangerous to the environment and human health. It can also increase the cost of operating oil and gas assets by requiring frequent repairs and replacement of corroded components.

Therefore, it is important to implement effective corrosion management strategies to ensure the long-term viability and safe and reliable operation of oil and gas assets.

What causes corrosion in Oil and Gas assets?

Corrosion in oil and gas assets is caused by a combination of factors, including exposure to harsh chemicals and high temperatures. The main cause of corrosion in these assets is the presence of high concentrations of water, and CO2.

High temperatures can accelerate the corrosion process, particularly in areas where CO2 is in contact with water or other liquids. Additionally, high temperatures can cause metal components to expand and contract, which can lead to stress on the materials and accelerate corrosion.

Other factors that can contribute to corrosion in oil and gas assets include exposure to other chemicals, such as sulfur compounds, chlorides, and hydrogen sulfide, as well as the presence of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi. Interaction with CO2 and water create an environment that is more corrosive to metal surfaces.

How does corrosion occur in oil and gas assets?

The corrosion of different materials used in oil and gas assets can occur in different ways, depending on the specific properties of the material and the environmental conditions.

The three most common types of corrosion found in Oil and Gas assets are pitting, crevice, and galvanic corrosion:

  • Pitting corrosion is the localized corrosion of a metal surface, resulting in small holes or pits. In Oil and Gas assets, pitting corrosion can occur in pipelines, valves, and other components that come into contact with CO2, especially in areas where the CO2 is in contact with water or other liquids.
  • Crevice corrosion is a form of localized corrosion that occurs in tight spaces or crevices, such as the area between a gasket and a pipe flange. In oil and gas assets, crevice corrosion can occur in joints and connections, such as flanges and gaskets, that come into contact with CO2.
  • Galvanic corrosion is a type of corrosion that occurs when two dissimilar metals are in contact with an electrolyte, such as water or CO2. In oil and gas assets, galvanic corrosion can occur in joints and connections where dissimilar metals, such as steel and aluminum, are used.

For example, carbon steel is a commonly used material in oil and gas assets, but it is highly susceptible to pitting and crevice corrosion in the presence of CO2 and water. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is more resistant to corrosion but can still be affected by high temperatures and the presence of other corrosive agents.

Corrosion Management Strategies in Oil and Gas assets

Currently, there are several strategies that can be used to manage corrosion in oil and gas assets. Of course, regular inspection and maintenance is crucial, as is the use of coatings and inhibitors, and material selection.

Regular inspection and maintenance

Regular inspection and maintenance are essential for early identification and addressing of corrosion problems. This includes visual inspections, non-destructive testing, and monitoring of corrosion rates.

Coatings and inhibitors

Coatings and inhibitors can be used to protect metal surfaces from corrosion. Coatings, such as paint or epoxy, can provide a physical barrier to prevent corrosion. Inhibitors, such as corrosion inhibitors, can be added to slow down the corrosion process. These are commonly used in oil and gas assets and can be effective in preventing corrosion, but it’s important to note that the selection of the right coating or inhibitor depends on the specific conditions of the asset, and regular monitoring and maintenance is still needed.

Material selection

Material selection is a crucial aspect of corrosion management in oil and gas assets. The use of corrosion-resistant materials, such as stainless steel, can significantly reduce the risk of corrosion. However, it’s important to note that no material is completely immune to corrosion, and other strategies such as coatings and inhibitors should be considered as well.

The future of corrosion management in oil and gas assets

Managing corrosion in oil and gas assets requires a multi-faceted approach, and the best strategy for a specific asset will depend on the specific conditions and materials used. For example:

  • Regular inspection and maintenance are essential for identifying and addressing corrosion problems early on, but they can be costly and time-consuming
  • Coatings and inhibitors can be effective in preventing corrosion, but they can also be costly and require regular monitoring and maintenance
  • Material selection can significantly reduce the risk of corrosion, but it’s important to note that no material is completely immune to corrosion

Corrosion can lead to unsafe operation of oil and gas assets, as well as increasing the cost of operating by requiring frequent repairs and replacement of corroded components.

While current corrosion management strategies are effective at controlling corrosion at oil and gas assets, it is important to continue to research, experiment, and develop innovative techniques for corrosion management. As the technology and conditions in oil and gas assets evolve, so should the strategies used to manage corrosion.

Every improvement that we can make will improve the viability and safety of our oil and gas assets. The Institute of Corrosion is in the perfect position to help industry and academia deliver these improvements.

To learn more about how the Institute of Corrosion is helping to promote and deliver greater safety and operational effectiveness in the world’s oil and gas assets, and discover how you can get involved, please email the Institute of Corrosion.

Christmas Luncheon

Christmas Luncheon

Institute News

After the restricted event in 2021, the 33rd annual branch Christmas Lunch was held on 1st December 2022. Numbers were back to a pre-covid level, as 170 guests attended at the Royal Overseas Club in central London. A drinks reception in the Hall of India was followed by a four course meal served in the Princess Alexandra Hall. In a break with tradition, instead of a speaker the entertainment was a corrosion themed quiz, which was won by the table from CTS Europe. As usual the popular raffle was organised by Jimmy Glynn.

As in previous years, most of the guests stayed on for a while to network before many then transferred to a local public house to continue socialising. Thanks must go to the organising committee, plus sponsors Carboline, Corrodere Academy, PPG Protective and Marine Coatings, Protective Polymers Ltd and Winn & Coales (Denso) Ltd.