New Sustaining Member

Institute News

ICorr Welcomes New Sustaining Member – Automa

Founded in 1987, AUTOMA is an Italian company specialised in the production of solutions for the remote monitoring and control in the oil, gas, and water sectors. The company is best known for the design, engineering, and production of advanced solutions that enhance the efficiency and safety of distribution and transportation networks.

AUTOMA has introduced solutions for the remote monitoring and control of cathodic protection systems of buried metal structures in the water, gas, and oil industries, with over 45,000 units worldwide. Its cathodic protection suite offers reliable solutions for monitoring, logging and functional control of activities thanks to a variety of devices that can be used both remotely and locally.

AUTOMA has also developed a proprietary SCADA system specifically designed for the cathodic protection field, that allows users to carry out analysis of historical data and graphs, to configure all the devices, to download reports and to receive real-time alarms.

The complete solution, known as GOLIAH®, offers all the necessary tools for a correct and timely monitoring in accordance with the current industry standards. This guarantees network operators  real and complete ownership of all data and enabling a real-time and accurate control of the cathodic protection system. www.goliah.info/en/

AUTOMA’s key focus is on the quality and reliability of its products, guaranteed by international certifications and a constant commitment to innovation. Each solution is custom-designed to meet customer needs, supported by a dedicated research and development team.

Contact Information

AUTOMA s.r.l.  Ancona (An) – Italy

Tel.: +39.071.8028042

e-mail: sales@byautoma.com
www.byautoma.com

Automa G4C-Pro CP Monitoring Device.

Automa Intermediate CP Monitoring Station.

New Company Member

Institute News

ICorr Welcomes Corrodere Academy: Pioneering Excellence in Corrosion Control Training

Introduction

The Corrodere Academy stands as a beacon of expertise in the field of corrosion control alongside ICorr, providing unparalleled education and training to professionals worldwide. With a mission to combat the pervasive challenge of corrosion, the Academy equips individuals and organisations with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect assets, ensure safety, and enhance durability across industries.

History and Evolution

Founded in 2000, the Corrodere Academy began with a vision to address the growing need for specialised corrosion control and prevention training. Over the years, it has evolved into a globally recognised academy, offering a comprehensive suite of courses and certifications tailored to meet the diverse needs of industries such as oil and gas, marine, construction, manufacturing and renewables.

Course Offerings

The Academy’s portfolio of courses has been designed to cover all aspects of corrosion control including inspection, application and specialist knowledge.

1. Inspection

–   ICorr endorsed Coating Inspection Level 1, 2 and 3 courses.

–   
Other introductory Coating Inspection courses covering Insulation, Fireproofing, Pipeline, Hot Dip Galvanising, 
Thermal Metal Spraying, and Marine Coatings.

2. Train the Painter

–   
Protective Coating Application, Spray Painting and Abrasive Blast Cleaning modules.

3. Specialist Coating

–   
Corrodere Diploma in Coatings for Corrosion Control 
alongside Coating Surveys, Corrosion Management and Corrosion Under Insulation courses.

Each course combines theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on training, ensuring that participants gain a deep and actionable understanding of their chosen subject.

Certification Programmes

The Corrodere Academy offers internationally recognised QCA certification that validates the skills and expertise of industrial

coating applicators. Certifications such as are highly regarded in the industry, often serving as a benchmark for excellence.

–   QCA – A₁ Abrasive Blast Cleaner

–   QCA – P₁ Protective Coatings Applicator

–   QCA – S₁ Spray Painter

–   QCA – T₁ Thin Film Intumescent Applicator

Expert Faculty

The Academy’s strength lies in its team of seasoned experts, who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the training material. These industry veterans are not only educators but also active practitioners, providing students with insights drawn from real-world challenges and solutions.

Global Reach

With a network of training centres and partners around the world, the Corrodere Academy extends its reach globally, providing its training material in multiple languages, that makes its portfolio of courses accessible to a diverse audience. This international presence ensures that the Academy stays at the forefront of global trends and developments.

Industry Collaboration

Collaboration with industry leaders and professional bodies such as the Institute of Corrosion is a cornerstone of the Corrodere Academy’s approach. By partnering with key stakeholders, the Academy ensures its training programmes are aligned with industry standards and address current challenges within the corrosion prevention industry. These collaborations also facilitate development initiatives, driving innovation in corrosion prevention and control.

Success Stories

The impact of the Corrodere Academy is best illustrated through the success stories of its alumni. Students have gone on to make significant contributions in their respective fields, from ensuring safety is at the highest level on site, to progressing their careers and leading large-scale corrosion management projects.

Future Initiatives

Looking ahead, the Corrodere Academy is committed to continuing its tradition of excellence and innovation in training delivery. Future initiatives include:

• 
Development: investing in market research to stay ahead of emerging corrosion challenges and provide training solutions to industry.
• 
Expansion of Online Training: Enhancing the accessibility and flexibility of its programmes through advanced interactive e-learning platforms.
• 
Sustainability Focus: Integrating sustainability into its training programs, emphasising eco-friendly corrosion prevention methods, and company operational initiatives.

Conclusion

The Corrodere Academy stands at the forefront of corrosion control education, closely working with international corrosion societies and setting the standard for excellence in the field. By offering cutting-edge training, fostering industry collaboration, and driving innovation, the Academy plays a pivotal role in protecting assets and ensuring safety across industries worldwide.

Contact Information

For more information, visit the Corrodere Academy website or contact the team directly to learn how they can help your organisation.   
www.corrodere.com   
T: +44 (0) 1252 732 236   
E: Lucy Pavia lucy@corrodere.com

Powder Coatings Course.

Blast Cleaning Course.

ICorr Level 2 Coating Inspector.

John Fletcher to Stand Down as Surface Treatment Training Scheme Manager

Institute News

On Monday 30^th September 2024 John Fletcher (ICorr past president 2014-2016) will stand down as the ICorr Surface Treatment Training Scheme Manager (STSM) and hand over this role to Dr Jane Lomas, who has been the Deputy since the role was formalised in 2019. 

John’s direct involvement with the ICorr Coating Inspector training schemes started when he joined the ICorr Professional Development Training and Certification (PDTC) committee in 2007, when the scheme was managed by David Griffiths. However, the informal involvement predates 2007 when he was working at Elcometer as Technical Support Manager and had regular contact with Argyll and Ruanne who delivered the courses in Rotherham, particularly regarding new coating inspection instrumentation and tests. He joined Elcometer in April 1982, and was soon asked by President Bill Cox to join the ICorr North-West Branch to represent Elcometer as the owner of the company was busy travelling the world to develop the export market. This involvement ultimately led to him joining PDTC and to become President of ICorr.

Prior to joining Elcometer, John worked for 13 years at Philips where he was responsible for developing and implementing metal coating processes for both semiconductors and insulators for the development and manufacture of microwave components for radar systems. At the time, John did not realise that this coating related work would lead to an extensive involvement later with ICorr.

John’s technical role at Elcometer involved BSI and ISO standards work and through his informal support of the Elcometer membership of ASTM. He became a regular attendee of ASTM D01 meetings becoming Chair of D01 and finally a Director of ASTM for a three-year term which ended in 2019 and resulted in an award of lifetime excellence from the ASTM D01 committee 
in 2019.

John remains incredibly grateful for the tremendous support provided by his employer, Elcometer, for the work entailed in managing the ICorr Surface Treatment Training Schemes up to his retirement from Elcometer in December 2019, and it is his belief that they saw the long-term benefit of his relationship with ICorr to Elcometer’s core business. The STSM function is, of course, critical to the delivery of quality ICorr training courses with many sub-duties. In preparation for his Elcometer retirement, John agreed to a contract with ICorr to continue to manage the Surface Treatment Training Scheme on a one-day per week basis.

Earlier in 2010 John had become the Chair of PDTC and the involvement with Argyll Ruane grew, with David Griffiths and later with Nigel Peterson-White and Richard Green, who all delivered the classroom courses. Also in 2010, ICorr signed its first agreement with Corrodere to deliver online Coating Inspector courses. At the time John had expected that all ICorr Coating Inspector courses would be delivered online thereafter but that has proved not to be the case as there are still a substantial number of students who prefer the classroom environment, despite the additional accommodation and travel costs.

In 2013 the Argyll Ruane operation was sold to the Institute of Mechanical Engineers who are based in London. It is true to say that they were primarily interested in the NDT/NDE training courses offered by ARL and backed by BiNDT, but IMechE was soon keen to create a new agreement between IMechE A R (IAR) and ICorr. Under John’s leadership, the activity at IAR in Sheffield has developed significantly since the days when ICorr courses were delivered in temporary buildings on the outskirts of Rotherham. They now have a’state of the art’ training centre developed from a former call-centre building with rooms dedicated to ICorr course delivery and ICorr examinations.

IAR now offers ICorr courses through their regional partners in various countries, including China, where TUV just celebrated their 7th year offering ICorr courses and their 1,000 certificate just issued via the ICorr scheme.

For their part, Corrodere has extended the courses they can deliver online to include the Level 2 course for Insulation, Pipeline and Hot Dip Galvanising Inspectors and approximately 50% of the applications for ICorr certificate come from candidates who are based overseas.

In conclusion, John would like to express his sincere gratitude to both IAR and Corrodere for their continued support in developing and increasing the numbers of Coating Inspectors who are trained and certified by ICorr.

John will remain on ICorr’s Council in 2025, if elected at the AGM later this year and will be available to support Jane in her new role as Surface Treatment Training Scheme Manager whenever required. The Institute wishes to express its sincere thanks to John for more than 40 years’ invaluable service to the Institute in various ways and we all wish him good health and happiness in his pending retirement.

John Fletcher – STSM Scheme Manager.

Institute of Corrosion – Corporate Event 2024

Institute News

On 5^th July 2024, a total of 42 corporate guests and ICorr representatives gathered at the London Oval, home of Surrey County Cricket Club, (founded in Kennington in 1845), keen to watch Surrey play Middlesex in a T20 match from the Corinthian Roof Terrace, a fabulous spot over the bowler’s arm. The afternoon was a little changeable, and of course, just as the game was about to start the heavens really opened, the covers came on and it didn’t stop all evening!

Whilst we didn’t see any cricket, the guests had a great opportunity to catch up, some who had been involved in the institute for over 40 years and some who are relative newcomers.

It was particularly nice to have four of our YICorr guests – Anthony Setiadi, Caroline Allanach, Owen Stapleton, and Stephen Shapcott who had come through the YEP programme that has now been running for over 10 years. https://www.icorr.org/young-engineer-training-programme/

Three ICorr past Presidents – Trevor Osborne, Sarah Vasey and Bill Hedges also joined us for this very special event alongside current President Stephen Tate and Vice President Yunnan Gao.

The Institute of Corrosion Corporate Members event was a huge success and greatly enjoyed by all, although we didn’t see any cricket due to the famous British weather!

Proceedings continued thereafter at a great little sports pub in Kennington, 
the Derby Arms (pictured below).

We were also very pleased to welcome a new member to our Corporate Members group: Corrodere Home of Train the Painter—Corrodere Academy, who are one of our key training partners.

Many thanks to AkzoNobel, Bilfinger, BP, Carboline, Flexitallic, Jotun and Oceaneering for their generous and much valued corporate support to ICorr to date and most of all to David Mobbs for organising it all.

The Institute of Corrosion will be staging a similar networking event next year for its Corporate Members. If you are interested in joining as a Corporate Member, our highest grade of company membership, then do please contact David Mobbs for further information and benefits at: david.mobbs@c-i-m.co.uk

Participants at Institute of Corrosion – Corporate Event 2024.

Above: Views From the 
Oval Rooftop Terrace.

The Derby 
Arms, Kennington.

A Tribute to Kenneth John Dykes (1948 – 2024)

Institute News

By Chris Atkins B Eng Hons, PhD, CEng FICE FICorr

The end of May saw the passing of 
Ken Dykes.

It is difficult to describe the profound impact some people have on the world. The UK is at the cutting edge of concrete repair and has moved the goalposts with regards to the cathodic protection of steel in concrete. A significant portion of this progress is down to Ken. Many people will have first encountered Ken when he was giving a presentation, explaining complex electrochemical stuff with scouse wit and humour (a byproduct of being a lifelong Everton fan). This hid the fact that he actually knew what he was talking about. If the main aim of a technical presentation is to make the audience remember what they were 
told and who told them, he certainly achieved this.

He supported the concrete repair and corrosion industry for as long as I’ve known him.  There are three main trade associations in concrete repair, the Corrosion Prevention Association, the Concrete Repair Association and the Sprayed Concrete Association. In a feat unlikely to be repeated he was appointed chair of all three over the years. Ken helped establish the Structural Concrete Alliance umbrella organisation and also chaired the ICorr North-West Branch. 
He undertook these roles with an infectious enthusiasm that meant very 
few meetings dragged.

At his funeral the commonest memory shared was about someone who cared about people and told jokes that sometimes made you cringe a bit, and sometimes made opening emails from him a nervy experience. As a career goal, seeing the fun in what you do and caring about people probably can’t be beaten.  Personally, he supported my wife and I more than he realised. Jessica, and I am honoured to call him a friend.

Some people end up changing the way things get done in the world. Ken Dykes was one of those forces of nature who moved the goalposts. Thank you for all you’ve given us Ken.

Submitted by Chris Atkins on behalf on the North-West Branch.

Ken Dykes, former ICorr North-West Branch Chair and of CPA, CRA and SPA.