ISO 12944-9: Defining Laboratory Test Methods for Offshore and Related Structures

ISO 12944-9: Defining Laboratory Test Methods for Offshore and Related Structures

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Improving the Quality of Protective Coating Systems in the CX Environment

In this article, we conclude our series examining ISO 12944 by describing ISO 12944-9, which was introduced to the standard in the 2017/18 revision to improve the quality of protective coating systems in extremely corrosive environments.

ISO 12944-9: A brief history

In the previous version of the standard, the corrosive category C5 (very high corrosivity) had been sub-divided into C5-I (industrial environment) and C5-M (marine environment).

In some cases, the descriptive ‘marine’ was taken to include offshore structures such as oil and gas rigs. However, the coating specifications for such offshore structures are specifically addressed in ISO 20340 (Performance requirements for protective paint systems for offshore and related structures). The differences between the two standards were marked, and created confusion and potential risk.

Specifically, there was an anomaly between the laboratory testing standards for coatings systems for offshore structures. While both ISO 12944 and ISO 20340 included a series of laboratory accelerated tests to verify the performance of candidate systems, the tests required under each standard were incompatible:

  • For ISO 12944 C5-M the test regime was relatively benign (1,440 hour hot salt spray and condensation test).
  • For ISO 20340, there was a much more onerous test. This included a week-long cyclic test of three days hot salt spray, one day in a deep freeze (-20 degrees Celsius), and three days in a QUVA accelerated weathering machine. This one-week cycle was repeated 25 times.

The repeated changes of hot/cold and wet/dry conditions place much more stress on a coating system compared to the static conditions of continuous salt spray. Consequently, only the very best performing paint systems would pass the cyclic test regime, whereas it would be relatively easy to get a ‘standard’ coating system to pass the ISO 12944 C5-M test.

The result?

Coatings were potentially being specified for severe offshore marine environments that weren’t fit for such purpose, and several product failures ensued under these conditions.

The ISO working group TC35/SC14 agreed that the C5-M corrosivity category should be abolished, with the C5 category that covers very high corrosivity limited to onshore structures. In addition, ISO 12944 would incorporate ISO 12340 as the new Part 9 category of CX (extreme corrosivity), covering offshore steelwork.

Coatings recommendations categories in the CX environment

And so to the coatings recommendations within ISO 12944-9, which are divided into the following three categories:

1.     Atmospheric Exposure Areas

For general atmospheric exposure, it is expected that most coating systems will be based on zinc-rich primers. The very stringent pre-qualification accelerated cyclic test referred to above, with extremely low allowance for coating disbondment and corrosion from the scribe, means that non-zinc primers are unlikely (but not impossible) to pass.

The only exception to the very strict test parameters is for coatings that will be used on areas that may be subject to a high probability of mechanical impact and damage such as decks and lay-down areas. Here, zinc-rich coatings may fracture and disbond with the impact. Therefore, coating systems for such areas may utilize more traditional high-build coatings which have an allowance for slightly higher disbondment on the test schedule.

2.     Immersed Areas (with cathodic protection)

These areas (classified as Im4 in ISO 12944-2) are tested for cathodic disbondment to ISO 15711 – Method A, plus a seawater immersion test to ISO 2812-2. They are not tested using the cyclic ageing test.

3.     Splash/Tidal Zone Areas (with cathodic protection)

The splash zone is the portion of an offshore structure that suffers the highest level of corrosion stress. These areas will be subject to constant wet/dry cycling due to tidal movement and wave splashing with highly oxygenated sea water, and coupled with intense UV reflection off the water’s surface and the possibility of mechanical impact from flotsam or boat contact.

Splash zone areas have a significantly thicker coating specification and must pass the combined suite of laboratory tests of cyclic ageing plus immersion and cathodic disbondment tests.

‘Fingerprinting’ of coatings

It is mandatory that all coatings tested to the requirements of ISO 12944-9 are ‘fingerprinted’ by laboratory analysis.

This is done by taking paint samples from test batches and combusting them to ash. This is then analysed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. This gives a detailed chemical profile of the coatings that can be used to compare against production batches to ensure that formulations are not changed post-test by the manufacturer. Routine batch checks are required to be undertaken during a project.

Thickness – a key difference in ISO 12944-9

ISO 12944-9 is extremely detailed with regards to surface preparation and quality control requirements that are commensurate with the need for the best possible coating practice to withstand the most corrosive environments. Hence, there are some differences between this part of the standard that covers CX environments and the rest of ISO 12944.

A key difference is that in Part 9, all specified coating thicknesses are minimum requirements. No dry film thickness readings are permitted below the specified level.

This is not the case for C1 to C5 specifications for dry film thickness, for which thickness values are nominal as defined by ISO 19840. This standard allows a small percentage (usually 10% or 20%) of dry film thickness readings to dip down below the nominal value, though no individual reading can be below 80% of the nominal value, and the overall average reading must be above the nominal value.

Piece-meal introduction of ISO 20340 into ISO 12944

The intention is to blend the CX specification requirements and testing schedules into ISO 12944 so that they are more aligned with other corrosivity categories as detailed in ISO 12944-5 and ISO 12944-6. However, in the 2018 iteration, this was not possible.

Therefore, as a first step, ISO 20340 was ‘bolted onto’ ISO 12944 as Part 9 of the standard. This bolt-on was added largely unchanged from the original, though with some tightening of the accelerated testing requirements that forced the use of zinc-based primers for general atmospheric exposure. Thus, there is some repetition from other parts of ISO 12944.

Further discussion of ISO 12944 is due to commence this summer, with a deadline of 2025 for the next issue of the standard – so watch this space!

The Institute of Corrosion Coating and Inspection Training Courses will help ensure your painters and inspectors work to the latest industry standards and benefit from new technology and innovative approaches. For more information, contact us today.

Other articles in our ISO 12944 series:

ISO 12944-8: Technical Writing of Coating Specifications

ISO 12944-8: Technical Writing of Coating Specifications

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A Powerful Tool in the Development of Specifications for New Work and Maintenance

ISO 12944-8 is often overlooked, though it contains a huge amount of information that enables competent technical writing with regards to coating specification for new build projects or maintenance of existing structures and items.

If you are writing such coating specifications, it’s crucial that you observe all other parts of ISO 12944 – and the templates contained within ISO 12944-8 help ensure you do this.

Why ISO 12944-8?

ISO 12944 is the globally recognised standard used by the protective coatings industry to develop and verify coating specifications for corrosion protection of steel structures. The most referred to parts of ISO 12944 are:

As well as referencing these and other parts of the standard, Part 8 of the standard explains the value of creating reference areas to set a benchmark for the standards of workmanship of surface preparation and coatings application. Thus, it also enables the finished appearance of the system and relevant inspection and quality control requirements to be established at this primary stage before the project commences.

A set of powerful specification templates

The templates contained within this part of the standard are powerful tools. They ensure that you include all that is needed when documenting the technical requirements of a coating specification, whatever the new build or maintenance project.

There are four basic types of specification templates within ISO 12944-8. You’ll see that there is a certain amount of overlap and repetition between them, but it is important to recognise that each is tailored to a different stage of the project.

1.     Contents of a project specification (Pre-commencement)

The project specification sets out a broad overview of the project with all the factors to be considered before the project bids are in place. This includes:

  • Name and location of the project
  • Key contact details
  • Definition of required durability and corrosivity
  • Descriptions of the constituent elements of the construction
  • Any special considerations and constraints
  • Overview of the required coating systems and surface preparation
  • Overview of the quality control and inspection requirements
  • Reference area requirements

It also includes the provision of a pre-work meeting in which all parties can discuss the project.

2.     Contents of a protective coating system specification (Detailed coating specification)

This specification template drills down further into substrate dressing and preparation requirements, describing the protective coating system with details that include:

  • Wet/dry film thickness
  • Edge protection
  • Technical and safety data sheets
  • Pre-qualification test results

It also includes an overview of inspection requirements and documentation of results.

3.     Contents of a paintwork specification (Application and inspection methodologies)

The paintwork specification focuses on the qualification requirements for paint inspectors and applicators. This document forms the framework for a working method statement that will enable the job to be undertaken to the required standard.

4.     Contents of an inspection and assessment specification (Detailed quality plan)

This template provides a detailed description of the inspection stages to be undertaken by the contractor and independent inspectors. It includes a full QA and inspection plan, as well as the requirements for document control and distribution of records.

Annexes and flow charts

In addition to the specification templates, ISO 12944-8 presents a series of informative annexes. These outline basic headings to be included in a specification, plus the key aspects that need to be considered in the preparation, inspection, and reporting of a reference area.

You will also find a series of flow charts. These help you to map out the steps needed to prepare for new work or maintenance work, and provide templates for both types of projects.

ISO 12944-8: A powerful tool

In conclusion, ISO 12944-8 is an exceptionally powerful tool.

The templates, annexes, and flow charts ensure that even a relatively inexperienced person can create a technically correct specification document that will enable a coating project to be executed in full accordance with best industry practice.

Our final article in this series covering ISO 12944 discusses Part 9 of the standard: protective paint systems and laboratory test methods for offshore and related structures.

The Institute of Corrosion Coating and Inspection Training Courses will help ensure your painters and inspectors work to the latest industry standards and benefit from new technology and innovative approaches. For more information, contact us today.

Other articles in our ISO 12944 series:

Should Your Organisation Become a Corporate Member of the Institute of Corrosion?

Should Your Organisation Become a Corporate Member of the Institute of Corrosion?

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ICorr Corporate Membership Benefits

Corporate membership of the Institute of Corrosion is an attractive strategic business decision, and for many good reasons. When your organization becomes an ICorr corporate member, it gains access to a range of exclusive benefits. Your organization also gets to contribute to the continuing evolution of corrosion science and corrosion engineering, as well as raising its profile and impact within the industry.

ICorr: In service of our members

A few years ago, we embarked on an overhaul of the Institute. Having been founded in 1959, we felt it was time to update and upgrade, to improve and prove our global presence and strategy, and to become more approachable.

We canvassed and listened to our members and other corrosion professionals, reviewed our strategy, and rebranded. In the ongoing battle against costly and dangerous corrosion, our mission is to build better collaboration within the industry, with academia, and with governments and policymakers, and share ICorr’s corrosion expertise with the world.

We’re a values-led organization, with four core values that are the vision behind the ICorr brand:

  1. Trust and respect – we are an independent professional body, trusted and respected by the public to help reduce the impact of corrosion on infrastructure. As a not-for-profit body committed to developing the corrosion prevention industry, we are led by people with experience and expertise, with a collective credibility to help others develop the skills in corrosion science and engineering that are crucial to continually improve corrosion prevention.
  2. Experts and leaders in the field – the Institute encompasses leaders and experts in the field of corrosion prevention. This expertise enables us to advance toward our vision as we influence policy and strategy at corporate and governmental levels. Continuous improvement of knowledge and expertise is key to this – as is focus on aspects such as health and safety, equipment, and people.
  3. Innovative and forward-thinking – we are an innovative, modern, cutting-edge body that is forward-thinking and encourages the sharing of expertise. We also seek to collaborate with like-minded bodies (for example, our partnership with ABRACO) to drive the corrosion prevention industry forward.
  4. Supportive and inclusive – we provide an environment of support, networking, and education, committed to developing industry capabilities, enhancing knowledge and expertise, and enabling people to develop effective and innovative careers. To this end, we offer comprehensive training and support for all corrosion professionals, as well as networking opportunities to help our diverse membership benefit from all the Institute offers and represents.

We serve our members through many channels, including regional meetings, conferences, workshops, magazines, website, social media, training courses, mentoring, training, and an online jobs board. We host many events, such as regional and international conferences, to support the industry and debate new technology and ideas, and our network of branches meet regularly to share knowledge and promote networking opportunities.

Why become a corporate member?

As a not-for-profits body, we depend on our membership to help fund our vision. We also depend upon our membership to help us to drive progress within the corrosion prevention industry.

Of all our membership options, corporate membership provides the highest level of participation within our organization, and therefore within the global conversation around corrosion.

As a corporate member of the Institute of Corrosion, you’ll be helping to develop the corrosion prevention industry.

Specifically, corporate membership provides benefits that include:

·       The highest grade of membership offering maximum profile within the corrosion industry

There is no better way to raise your profile within the corrosion community.

·       Access to our Career Development & Progression Programmes

ICorr provides limited access to some of the best career development and progression programmes in the industry. Corrosion professionals who participate in these programmes not only enhance their own knowledge and capability, but also improve their employer’s capabilities, too – and that’s great for business.

·       Access to our online resources and libraries

Our vast (and growing) online resources and libraries are only available to our members.

·       Free-of-charge advertising in the Institute’s Corrosion Magazine

Distributed six times a year, the Corrosion Management Magazine is a leading publication within the industry and a source of knowledge and expertise for many businesses.

·       Free advertising on our website’s Member’s Directory

Advertising on our Member’s Directory will help your business to raise its profile within the corrosion prevention industry.

·       A discount of 10% on all conferences and symposia, and on selected ICorr training courses

Our conferences and symposia are leading events within the industry, and our training courses and certifications are recognised around the world – providing the qualifications and confidence that will help drive your organization toward its strategic goals.

·       A table at the annual ICorr Christmas luncheon

A never-to-be-missed occasion!

How to become a corporate member of the Institute of Corrosion

As a corporate member of the Institute of Corrosion, you’ll be demonstrating a commitment to the advance of knowledge and expertise within the industry and within your own organisation. Your profile within the industry, and with your clients, current and prospective employees, and other stakeholders, will be enhanced.

Your organization and employees will have access to a range of resources, and benefit from discounts on training, advertising, and attendance at conferences and other events. And you’ll be guaranteed a table at the ICorr Christmas luncheon.

For more information and to join the Institute of Corrosion as a Corporate Member, please email our admin team.

Organisational Structure: How the Institute of Corrosion Operates as a Not-For-Profit Organisation

Organisational Structure: How the Institute of Corrosion Operates as a Not-For-Profit Organisation

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The Design of a Framework to Enable Goal Achievement in Corrosion Prevention

“What’s the organisational structure of the Institute of Corrosion?” is a question we are often asked.

The Institute of Corrosion is a not-for-profit organisation, dedicated to putting its members at the heart of the global corrosion prevention conversation and ensuring that all we do is aligned to our core values (the vision behind our brand):

  1. Trust and Respect
  2. Experts and Leaders in the Field
  3. Innovative and Forward-Thinking
  4. Supportive and Inclusive

As you can imagine, taking a leading role in broadening and deepening the corrosion conversation by sharing our collective expertise with the world takes more than a little organisation and management.

Our organisational structure is the framework that enables this, and in which so many tremendously talented and hard-working corrosion professionals help us to achieve our goals.

Here’s an overview of how ICorr functions.

The Council of the Institute of Corrosion

Our Council is like the Board of Directors of a large company. It is the Institute’s highest decision-making body, and every branch, division, and committee report to the Council. The Council is made up of the following members:

  • The five trustees/directors
  • Branch and Division Chairs
  • Committee Chairs
  • The Chair of Young ICorr
  • The Technical Editor of Corrosion Management magazine
  • Various co-opted members

The Trustees of the Institute of Corrosion

There are five trustees, and these form the ‘committee’ that oversees the routine running of the Institute between Council meetings. The trustees are the following Institute of Corrosion members:

  • The President
  • The Vice President
  • The Immediate Past President
  • The Honorary Secretary
  • The Honorary Treasurer

Our Head Office

Our head office, Corrosion House, is where all the admin work is conducted. Located in Northampton, the staff of three here work tirelessly to ensure that every t is crossed and i dotted across every aspect of the running of ICorr.

Beneath the Council, our structure allows information and operations to flow freely in all directions as follows:

The Branches of the Institute of Corrosion

The six regional branches let us reach deep into the heart of the corrosion community in the UK:

  • Aberdeen
  • London
  • Midlands
  • Northeast
  • Northwest
  • Yorkshire

The work they do and the networking opportunities they present to our members is vital. They have a great deal of autonomy, and run various events that include:

  • Seminars/webinars
  • Technical workshops
  • Social events

Every event and interaction within our branches is a networking opportunity, and a chance for members to learn and share ideas, experience, and best practices.

The Two Divisions of the Institute of Corrosion

Though depicted on the organisational structure chart as a single leg of our not-for-profit organisation, the two divisions really stretch across every part of ICorr. Their reach is in everything we do:

The Corrosion Engineering Division (CED)

Made up of five Working Groups, the CED also runs a Working Day and Symposium. The Working Groups are:

  • Nuclear Corrosion
  • Coatings
  • Cathodic Protection
  • All Energy
  • Corrosion in Concrete

The Corrosion Science Division

This division consists of representatives from the corrosion research community – primarily academia and research – and runs the annual Corrosion Science Symposium.

Young ICorr

While the experience of senior corrosion professionals is crucial in our industry and to the Institute, equally vital are the younger engineers and scientists who are entering and progressing in their careers in corrosion prevention.

Young ICorr is a vibrant and forward-looking group, through which many initiatives and early-career networks are formed, and from which we believe corrosion industry leaders of tomorrow will develop.

The Committees of the Institute of Corrosion

Finally, to the committees ─ without which the Institute of Corrosion could not function effectively. This is where much of the day-to-day work is managed. These teams meet up when needed, collaborate with other teams, and ensure that actions agreed are carried out.

The Awards Committee

Responsible for overseeing the portfolio of ICorr awards, and for the nomination of ICorr members for external awards. The recognition of excellence both internally and externally helps us to demonstrate the authority with which the Institute operates and the professionalism, knowledge, and expertise of our members.

The Building Management Committee

This committee is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of our Head Office, Corrosion House in Northampton. They may not get their hands dirty with building work, but without them we might not have a home!

The Course Approval Board

The education of the corrosion community, at whatever stage of their individual careers, is crucial to the future of our industry, and, indeed, the future of our world – when corrosion control is ignored it can be catastrophic.

The Course Approval Board is responsible for approving new courses proposed by the Professional Development & Training Committee.

The Digital Strategy Committee

In our digital world, it is easier to connect, build networks, and share expertise than ever before. However, to do this effectively, it is essential to develop and follow strategy that aligns with the goals of the Institute. This is the remit of the Digital Strategy Committee.

The Membership Development Committee

The real strength of the Institute lies in its membership. The broader and deeper our membership is, the more we can offer and provide to them and the global corrosion community.

The Membership Development Committee is responsible for initiatives to increase our membership and highlight the benefits of membership.

The Professional Assessment Committee (PAC)

While the Membership Development Committee is responsible for driving membership applications, it is the PAC that handles membership and upgrade applications.

The Professional Development & Training Committee (PDTC)

PDTC is responsible for one of our most important strategies – the development and upgrade of training courses offered by the Institute. To achieve this, PDTC has two sub-committees:

  • The Cathodic Protection Governing Board (CPGB), responsible for cathodic protection courses
  • The Surface Treatment Governing Board (STGB), responsible for surface treatment courses

Correx Limited

Though we are a not-for-profit organisation, our commercial activities are key to our present and future sustainability. However, it is also crucial that we keep the operation of these at arm’s length. To ensure this is the case, we registered Correx Limited in 2003.

It is Correx that organises all of our commercial activities, and especially the administration of ICATS (Industrial Coating Applicators Training Scheme). ICATS is mandated by the Highways Agency and Network Rail for all coating applicators – and it is also a requirement for many other major structure owners including Oil Companies, Power Generators, and Infrastructure Owners.

In future articles, we plan to explore each element of the organisational structure of the Institute of Corrosion, to help all our members and the wider corrosion community to have a greater understanding of all the moving parts of the Institute and the tremendous amount of work that goes on behind the scenes. If you’re interested in getting involved in any of these activities, please get in touch with us!

In the meantime, to learn more about membership of the Institute of Corrosion, please check out our membership page to learn how to become a member and immediately begin to enjoy the many benefits of membership of the Institute of Corrosion.

Online Classes vs Classroom Learning: Which Is Best for Corrosion Professionals?

Online Classes vs Classroom Learning: Which Is Best for Corrosion Professionals?

Blogs, Cathodic Protection Training, Coating and Inspection Training

Tips to Help You Choose the Best Corrosion Course

Gaining corrosion-specific qualifications could help you to propel your career to the next level. However, selecting what courses will help you achieve your professional career goals can be challenging. One of the questions you’ll need to answer is, how best do I gain my next corrosion qualification – online learning vs classroom learning?

In this article, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of online classes vs classroom learning for corrosion professionals.

Online learning vs traditional learning: what’s the difference?

Learning online and learning in the classroom sound like very different beasts, and they are.

When you learn virtually, you must manage your time effectively and be highly self-motivated. The onus is on you to compete tasks and keep the momentum of learning going.

In the classroom, you’ll have the guiding hand of the lecturer, trainer, or teacher to help and motivate you. You’ll also have others to bounce off and engage with ─ which makes for a more relaxed learning experience.

Despite these differences, there are also many similarities between corrosion training provided online and that delivered in the classroom. For example, you will benefit from the same theoretical and practical learning, and the qualification you receive will be the same and regarded equally by prospective employers and industry bodies like ICorr.

The advantages and disadvantages of classroom learning

Usually, classroom learning for corrosion professionals is provided in specialized facilities – like ICorr’s Cathodic Protection Training & Examination Centre in Telford, where training in cathodic protection is delivered by ICorr and the Corrosion Protection Association (CPA), or IMechE’s corrosion courses that are delivered in their dedicated classroom facility in Sheffield. This isn’t the only benefit, however.

Advantages of learning in a classroom include:

  • The physical contact between trainers and learners. It’s easy to ask questions and to learn from questions asked by others.
  • There can be a healthy competitive element in the classroom setting, and this can help to keep you motivated.
  • You’ll also get to forge new professional relationships with other corrosion professionals ─ a great way to extend your network.
  • Classroom learning helps to keep you disciplined in your approach.
  • Because you’re away from home and work, your focus is not disturbed either during learning hours or when you are doing your ‘homework’ in your temporary accommodation.

What’s there not to like about classroom learning? These disadvantages should be considered when making your choice of learning options:

  • You will need to pay for your travel and accommodation, as well as meals.
  • If you don’t attend a classroom session, you miss it completely.
  • The courses are usually more expensive, because there is a whole layer of infrastructure to pay for.
  • They are time-bound. You must adhere to a strict schedule, irrespective of other commitments.
  • If you are self-employed, you won’t be earning while you are learning.

The advantages and disadvantages of online learning

You can take online lessons anywhere there is internet access. In your home, your office, or even while commuting by train. Other advantages include:

  • You are not bound by time or location. There may be a specified ‘complete by’ date, but online lessons offer the flexibility to view them at anytime and anywhere.
  • You work at your own pace, without the stricter, time-bound approach of classroom learning, meaning you can fit your course in to suit the demands of your professional and personal life.
  • No loss of earnings while learning, and you save on travel time.
  • It’s more cost-effective – courses are generally cheaper, and you don’t have the added expense of accommodation and meals to consider.
  • You may have the opportunity to meet corrosion professionals online, and these could be from anywhere in the world – a great way to extend your professional network globally.

While these advantages are very tempting, you should also think about the following disadvantages of eLearning:

  • It can be challenging to stay motivated – you must be self-disciplined and have good time management skills.
  • eLearning requires you to be technologically adept, and able to use the latest communication technology ─ and what if you lose your data or connection?
  • A lack of social interaction means you don’t benefit from other students in quite the same way as you do in the classroom.

Which corrosion course is best for you? Online learning vs classroom

Once you know which qualification is best for you at any given stage in your career, and you are ready to achieve your next career goals, you’ll need to decide which training platform best suits your needs:  online learning or classroom learning. Here are a few questions that will help you make the right decision:

What’s my ability to learn?

Think about the time it will take you to complete the course. Do you have the time available to spend a few days in the classroom? If you do, do these coincide with the course dates?

You’ll also need to consider if you have the technology to take an online course and if you have the right technology available to you.

Thirdly, how is your motivation and self-discipline? When you take a class-based corrosion course, you are held to account by the course tutor and those around you. Do you perform better in this learning situation, or do you learn more effectively when left to your own devices?

Finally, can you attend the classes from a logistics point of view? Do you drive? Will train times be prohibitive? Is the distance prohibitive? Can you be away from home overnight?

What is my socialization preference?

If you are learning by traditional methods, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded individuals. Are you the type of person who thrives in this atmosphere?

Perhaps you are more introverted, and don’t care to ask questions in front of other people.

Do you want to take lunch breaks as opportunities for focused study, or could these impromptu group sessions help you embed the learning you’ve received?

We’re not all social creatures, and we don’t all learn equally well in the classroom. If this sounds like you, eLearning could be the way to go.

How much will the course cost – is it cost-effective for me?

The last question you should ask is whether attendance of class-based learning will be cost-effective. There are many things to consider here:

  • How much does the course cost?
  • Will you need to take unpaid time off work?
  • Can the cost of the course be subsidized, by your employer or other source?
  • Upon completion, what impact will this have on your earnings potential in the future?

Qualifications in corrosion engineering and corrosion sciences, and job-related corrosion specializations, are an investment in yourself and your career.

For advice on which course would be best for you, and to learn what corrosion training, course, and qualifications are available through ICorr, please email us at admin@icorr.org with the subject line ‘Interested in ICorr corrosion training’. Tell us what you would like to know, and we’ll answer your questions by return email.

Chris Lynch: Worthy Recipient of the Paul McIntyre Award 2022

Chris Lynch: Worthy Recipient of the Paul McIntyre Award 2022

Blogs, Corrosion Engineering Division, PFP

Giving Back in Corrosion Engineering

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.

Paul McIntyre – an inspiration to those who follow

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

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:

  • Working on numerous training committees
  • Course presenter of ICorr training schemes
  • Currently a member of the Cathodic Protection Governing Body (CPGB)
  • Level 4 CP Specialist of buried and marine structures and internal surfaces
  • Fellow of the Institute of Corrosion
  • Chair of GEL/603 which is the British Standards Institute (BSI) committee for Cathodic Protection
  • Works on various Working Group activities for ISO and CEN
  • Member of CEOCOR
  • Member of the Marine Corrosion Forum

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.