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DESIGN CRITERIA

INTERNAL CORROSION MONITORING

CRITERIA FOR THE SELECTION OF CONTROL DEVICES

03584.VAR.COR.PRG

Rev. 1

June 1995

1 General revision CESCOR STIN CORM 15.06.95


REV. DESCRIPTION COMP. VERIF. APPR. DATE
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03584.VAR.COR.PRG
Rev.1 June 1995
Sheet 2

FOREWORD

Rev. 1 No. Sheets 19


June 1995

The type of document has been changed from “GENERAL SPECIFICATION”


to “DESIGN CRITERIA”.

The Normative References chapter has been revised and updated.

A detailed list of definition has been introduced.

The whole document has been reorganised, gathering the contents based on
monitoring methods and devices which have been reviewed. Reference has
been made to applicable normative references, when available.

The following monitoring methods and devices have been introduced:


− instrumented corrosion spool;
− bioprobe;
− patch hydrogen probe;
− micro-biological analysis.

The following monitoring methods and devices have been cancelled:


− polarisation curves;
− electrochemical noise.

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Il presente documento è RISERVATO ed è di proprietà dell'AGIP. Esso non sarà mostrato a Terzi né sarà utilizzato per scopi diversi da quelli per i quali è stato inviato.
This document is CONFIDENTIAL and the sole property of AGIP. It shall neither be shown to third parties nor used for purposes other than those for which it has been sent.
03584.VAR.COR.PRG
Rev.1 June 1995
Sheet 3

CONTENTS

1 GENERAL

1.1 Scope
1.2 Normative references
1.2.1 European normative references
1.2.2 Normative references of other organizations

1.3 Definitions

2 INTRODUCTION

2.1 Foreword
2.2 Monitoring techniques
2.3 Classification
2.3.1 Class 1 - Direct-intrusive devices and methods
2.3.2 Class 2 - Direct-non intrusive devices and methods
2.3.3 Class 3 - Indirect-intrusive devices and methods
2.3.4 Class 4 - Indirect-non intrusive devices and methods

3 MONITORING DEVICES AND METHODS

3.1 Corrosion coupons


3.2 Corrosion spool
3.3 Instrumented corrosion spools
3.4 Linear polarisation probes
3.5 Electric resistance probes
3.6 Hydrogen probes
3.6.1 Internal probe
3.6.2 External probe

3.7 Galvanic probes


3.8 Bioprobe
3.9 Thin Layer Activation (TLA)
3.10 Ultrasonic and x-rays inspection
3.11 Chemical analysis
3.12 Micro-biological analysis

4 PROBE INSTALLATION
4.1 Exposure modes
4.1.1 Central position
4.1.2 Flush mounted probes
4.1.3 Water traps

4.2 Retrievers

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This document is CONFIDENTIAL and the sole property of AGIP. It shall neither be shown to third parties nor used for purposes other than those for which it has been sent.
03584.VAR.COR.PRG
Rev.1 June 1995
Sheet 4

1 GENERAL

1.1 Scope

In the present specification are indicated the methods and the characteristics of
the devices for internal corrosion monitoring, necessary for the selection and
the installation of each equipment.

The following subjects are outside the scope of this document:


− inspection methods using intelligent pigs;
− non destructive methods for structural integrity control.

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Il presente documento è RISERVATO ed è di proprietà dell'AGIP. Esso non sarà mostrato a Terzi né sarà utilizzato per scopi diversi da quelli per i quali è stato inviato.
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03584.VAR.COR.PRG
Rev.1 June 1995
Sheet 5

1.2 Normative references

1.2.1 European normative references

No European normatives exist on the argument of this specification.

1.2.2 Normative references of other organizations

NACE RP0775 “Preparation and Installation of Corrosion


Coupons and Interpretation of Test Data in Oil
Production Practice”.

ASTM G 1 “Preparing, Cleaning, and Evaluating Corrosion


Test Specimens”.

ASTM G 4 “Conducting Corrosion Coupon Tests in Plant


Equipment”.

ASTM G 16 “Practice for Applying Statistics to Analysis of


Corrosion Data”.

ASTM G 46 “Examination and Evaluation of Pitting


Corrosion”.

ASTM G 59 “Conducting Potentiodynamic Polarisation


Resistance Measurements”.

ASTM G 96 “Guide for On-Line Monitoring of Corrosion In


Plant Equipment (Electric and Electrochemical
Methods)”.

ASTM G 102 “Corrosion Rates and Related Information from


Electrochemical Measurements, Calculation of
Corrosion Rates”.

API RP 38 “Recommended Practice for Biological Analysis of


Subsurface Injection Waters”.

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Il presente documento è RISERVATO ed è di proprietà dell'AGIP. Esso non sarà mostrato a Terzi né sarà utilizzato per scopi diversi da quelli per i quali è stato inviato.
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03584.VAR.COR.PRG
Rev.1 June 1995
Sheet 6

1.3 Definitions

Access fittings
Fittings flanged or welded to a pipeline or a vessel for the installation of
corrosion probes.

Bioprobe
Probe for corrosion monitoring in aqueous environments by microbial growth
on exposed coupons. Coupons are eventually removed and microbial analysis
carried out.

Corrosion Coupon Probe


Probes with metal samples exposed to the fluid inside pipes or equipment for a
prefixed period; the evaluation of the corrosivity is based on the metal weight
loss.

Corrosion Monitoring Test Point - CMP


Positions in correspondence to pipelines or equipment where internal corrosion
monitoring is foreseen by means of suitable probes. It can consists of a pipe
spool, flanged on the line to be monitored, on which the access fittings and the
probes are mounted.

Flush Mounted Probe


Device for corrosion monitoring in which the probe, after installation, is
exposed to the corrosive environment in correspondence of the wall of the pipe
or vessel, so that to limit the perturbation of the hydrodynamic conditions and
to allow internal inspection.

Electrical Resistance Probe


Device for measuring the cumulative metal loss by measuring the electrical
resistance of a metallic element (wire, flat sample, tube).

Hydrogen Probe
Device for corrosion monitoring in environments containing H 2S, based on the
measure of the hydrogen entrapped in the metal.

Linear Polarisation Resistance


Electrochemical technique for measuring the instantaneous corrosion rate of a
metal in a conductive fluid.

Linear Polarisation Resistance Probe


Device for corrosion monitoring based on the principle of the linear
polarisation resistance.

Probe
General term to indicate a device for internal corrosion monitoring.

Retriever

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Device for insertion, substitution or removal of probes from pipes or equipment


without service interruption. They are of mechanical or hydraulic type.

Thin Layer Activation (TLA)


Method for monitoring general corrosion based on the exposure of a metal
sample containing traces of radioactive isotopes and on measuring of the
residual radioactivity.

Water trap
It consists of a small section of pipe, welded or flanged on the lower side of a
pipeline or equipment, where separation and collection of water from
multiphase systems occurs. Inside the water trap, corrosion monitoring probes
are installed.

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Il presente documento è RISERVATO ed è di proprietà dell'AGIP. Esso non sarà mostrato a Terzi né sarà utilizzato per scopi diversi da quelli per i quali è stato inviato.
This document is CONFIDENTIAL and the sole property of AGIP. It shall neither be shown to third parties nor used for purposes other than those for which it has been sent.
03584.VAR.COR.PRG
Rev.1 June 1995
Sheet 8

2 INTRODUCTION

2.1 Foreword

Installation of a corrosion monitoring system in oil and gas production plants is


related to one or more of this purposes:
− to detect the initiation of corrosion during the operating life;
− to measure corrosion rate;
− to measure the thickness loss (or the residual thickness) of a metallic wall;
− to evaluate the efficiency corrosion control systems, in particular corrosion
inhibitor treatments;
− to provide a continuous surveillance on the possible variation of fluid
corrosivity.

2.2 Monitoring techniques

The following monitoring techniques are considered in this document:


− corrosion coupons;
− corrosion spools;
− instrumented corrosion spools;
− linear polarisation probes;
− electrical resistance probes;
− hydrogen probes;
− galvanic probes;
− bioprobe
− “Thin Layer Activation”;
− ultrasonic controls;
− radiographic controls;
− chemical analysis;
− micro-biological analysis.

2.3 Classification

Corrosion monitoring techniques are classified according to the following


criteria:
− type of installation, intrusive or not, of the monitoring devices in the system
(pipeline or equipment);
− type of measure, direct or indirect, of the corrosion rate.

2.3.1 Class 1 - Direct-intrusive devices and methods

They require introduction of probes inside the system to be monitored and


provide direct information on corrosion rate or metal loss. This class includes:
− corrosion coupons;
− electric resistance probes;
− linear polarisation probes;

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03584.VAR.COR.PRG
Rev.1 June 1995
Sheet 9

− Thin Layer Activation.

2.3.2 Class 2 - Direct-non intrusive devices and methods

They do not require introduction of probes inside the system to be monitored


and they provide direct information on corrosion rate or metal loss. This class
includes:
− ultrasonic controls;
− instrumented corrosion spools;
− radiographic controls;
− “Thin Layer Activation”.

2.3.3 Class 3 - Indirect-intrusive devices and methods

They require introduction of probes inside the system to be monitored; they do


not provide direct information on corrosion rate or metal loss, but only an
indirect evaluation of fluid corrosivity. This class includes:
− hydrogen probes - internal type;
− galvanic probes.

2.3.4 Class 4 - Indirect-non intrusive devices and methods

They do not require introduction of probes inside the system to be monitored;


they do not provide direct information on corrosion rate or metal loss, but only
an indirect evaluation of fluid corrosivity. This class includes:
− acidity measurements (pH);
− oxygen content analysis;
− dissolved iron counts;
− gas, oil, water analysis;
− micro-biological analysis;
− hydrogen probes - patch type.

Another evaluation parameter is the time needed to obtain the reading. Some
techniques, such as corrosion coupons or electrical resistance, provide the
average corrosion rate for the exposure period, while other ones, as for instance
linear polarisation, provide the instant value.

It is good practice to use at least two different methods for each monitoring test
point, in order to obtain more reliable information.

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Il presente documento è RISERVATO ed è di proprietà dell'AGIP. Esso non sarà mostrato a Terzi né sarà utilizzato per scopi diversi da quelli per i quali è stato inviato.
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03584.VAR.COR.PRG
Rev.1 June 1995
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3 MONITORING DEVICES AND METHODS

3.1 Corrosion coupons

It represents the most simple and the most used corrosion monitoring method.

It is indicated in the documents NACE RP0775 and ASTM G 4. In the same


documents also industrial instruments, and application methods are dealt with.

ASTM G 1 describes the methods for preparing, cleaning and evaluating


corrosion test specimens.

Monitoring with corrosion coupons provides indications on average corrosion


rate along the period of exposure; it cannot be applied for instantaneous or
short-period corrosion measurements. Periods of exposure shorter than 30 days
are nor recommended.

Corrosion coupons shall be used just once; the reinstallation of previously used
coupons is allowed in case of progressive exposures (two or more coupons are
mounted on the same coupon holder only one coupon being removed for
examination).

The most adequate length of the period of exposure shall be assessed case by
case, applying for instance the following procedures:
− exposure of two probes, 1 and 2, for a month; removal of both and
confrontation of weight losses to control the reproducibility;
− substitution of coupons 1 and 2 with 3 and 4; exposure for two month and
removal of coupon 3 only;
− substitution of coupon 3 with 5; exposure of coupons 4 and 5 for four month
and removal.

The procedure allows to estimate corrosion rate for exposure periods 1, 2, 4 and
6 months long. The optimum length of the period of exposure is then defined
by examination and interpretation of the results.

The evaluation of corrosion coupons after exposure includes:


− attack morphology analysis (general or localised corrosion);
− weight loss measurement of the coupon before and after cleaning and
removal of corrosion products;
− in case of localised corrosion, determination of the maximum depth of
attack;
− analysis of scales and corrosion products removed from the coupons.

Maximum pit depth can be evaluated according to NACE RP0775 and to


ASTM G46.

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Il presente documento è RISERVATO ed è di proprietà dell'AGIP. Esso non sarà mostrato a Terzi né sarà utilizzato per scopi diversi da quelli per i quali è stato inviato.
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03584.VAR.COR.PRG
Rev.1 June 1995
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3.2 Corrosion spool

Corrosion spools are flanged sections of pipe, usually 500 or 1000 mm long,
made of the same material the line to be monitored is made of, installed on the
line.

The period of exposure between inspections is normally at least 6 month long.

Monitoring by means of corrosion spools has the drawback of requiring to stop


operations to carry out the inspection and the substitution, unless a system of
valves and by pass has been foreseen.

The periodic spool inspection provides significant indication of internal


corrosion of the pipeline, to be compared with monitoring data from corrosion
probes installed on the same pipeline.

Corrosion spools do not require particular care as far as surface preparation is


concerned, as they shall be representative of the actual internal conditions of
the pipeline. It is recommended to derive the corrosion spools from pipes used
for the same pipeline to be monitored.

Before installation, corrosion spools shall be carefully inspected. If possible, it


is suggested to take a photographic documentation.

After installation, two radiographs of the corrosion spools shall be taken,


identified by number and date, usually with double thickness exposure
technique. Radiographs shall be taken before filling of the line.

3.3 Instrumented corrosion spools

Instrumented corrosion spools are sections of pipe equipped with sensors and
devices suitable to detect and to monitor internal corrosion.

A particular type of instrumented corrosion spools is based on sending


electrical current through the examined section and on measuring the electric
field as ohmic drops among an adequate number of sensors on the spool.
Potential measurements periodically taken are compared with reference
measurements initially effected; the variations of the electric field allow, with
the support of numeric models, to find position, size and intensity of corrosive
attacks.

Instrumented corrosion spools are suitable for monitoring of general corrosion,


localised corrosion (pitting, stress corrosion cracking, corrosion-erosion) and
erosion corrosion in presence of solid particles.

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Il presente documento è RISERVATO ed è di proprietà dell'AGIP. Esso non sarà mostrato a Terzi né sarà utilizzato per scopi diversi da quelli per i quali è stato inviato.
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03584.VAR.COR.PRG
Rev.1 June 1995
Sheet 12

3.4 Linear polarisation probes

Linear polarisation is an electrochemical technique which allows to measure the


instantaneous corrosion rate.

It requires a direct contact between the probe and a conducting electrolyte,


normally liquid water. The prevalent use is for corrosion monitoring of waters
with salinity above 2 g/l.

The principle of the method is illustrated in ASTM G 59.

The procedures for carrying out linear polarisation measurements in plants are
discussed in ASTM G 96.

ASTM G 102 deals with the correlation between electrochemical


measurements, in particular linear polarisation, and corrosion rate.

Industrial probes have usually three electrodes (working electrode, reference


electrode and counter electrode), made of the same material the line or the
equipment to be monitored are made of. The measure consists on polarising the
working electrode to a certain value (usually 10-30 mV) with respect to
auxiliary electrode (the counter electrode), and on measuring the current needed
for the polarisation. The ratio between polarisation and current is called
polarisation resistance, Rp, and it is inversely proportional to corrosion rate.

In fewer cases, two electrode probes are used (working electrode and counter
electrode) are used.

Probes can have two configurations:


− with cylindrical electrodes, projecting into the electrolyte (4-6 mm diameter
and 10-15 mm length);
− flush mounted, sector type.

The latter, are applicable in multiphase systems for rate corrosion measurement
of metallic surfaces wetted by water.

Measure is taken using a potentiostat or automatic instruments, portable or


fixed, which directly provide corrosion rate. Instruments shall be checked
periodically to ensure correct functioning. A calibrated probe is used for this
purpose.

Linear polarisation probes do not provide reliable indications on localised


corrosion forms (pitting, crevice, stress corrosion cracking).

The application in H 2S containing fluids is not recommended.

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When a new probe is installed in the plant, an period is required to reach


stability of electrodes. The time necessary to reach stable reading conditions
varies according to the environment and the cleanness of the probes.

Before each reading, a delay is effected to allow stabilisation of the electrodes.


Furthermore, triple repetition of corrosion rate readings is recommended. Each
reading shall be recorded to verify reliability and reproducibility of the
measurements.

During the starting period of the plant, or while executing particular tests (as,
for instance, for corrosion inhibitor dosage), reading shall be taken at least
every 6 hours. After steady conditions have been reached, reading can be taken
less frequently, approximately once a week.

Used probes, if not excessively corroded, can be reinstalled after a cleaning.

3.5 Electric resistance probes

The principle of the method is illustrated in ASTM G 96.

The technique is based on the increase of the resistance of a metallic element


because of the reduction of cross section caused by corrosion. The
measurement consists in calculating the ratio between resistance of a certain
element exposed to the aggressive environment and of an element of the same
material but unexposed (the latter allow to take into account the variations in
resistivity with temperature).

Measurement sensitivity increases as the cross section of metallic element


exposed to the environment decrease, while abrasion and mechanical resistance
decrease.

After a thickness reduction of 0.1 mm caused by corrosion, a wire probe with


an original of 0.5 mm has a 36% increase in resistance, while double diameter
wire (i.e. 1 mm) has only a 19% increase. It is clear that the more subtle the
filaments are, the more frequently they have to be replaced.

The method is independent from the conductivity of the corrosive environment


and for this reason it can be employed to measure liquid or gas corrosivity.

Probes are available both with metallic element as a filament, suitable for
exposure into the bulk of a fluid, and with metallic element as a spiral
embedded in resins, for flush mounted installations.

The main disadvantages of this technique are:


− corrosion rates determined after short periods of exposure are often not
accurate;

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− it is not applicable in H 2S containing fluids: corrosion products (FeS) are


electronic conductors affecting the resistance measurements;
− localised attacks are difficult to detect.

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Rev.1 June 1995
Sheet 15

3.6 Hydrogen probes

They are used for corrosion monitoring in H 2S containing fluids.

The technique is based on the measure of hydrogen produced by corrosion and


absorbed into the metal lattice because of the presence of H 2S.

Two types of probes are available:


− internal probe, directly exposed to aggressive fluids;
− external probe (“patch probe”), which picks up the hydrogen diffused
through the metallic wall.

3.6.1 Internal probe

The probe consists of a steel element, permeable to hydrogen, exposed to the


environment; absorbed atomic hydrogen recombines to molecular hydrogen
inside a cavity within the probe connected to a pressure gauge measuring the
pressure increase.

3.6.2 External probe

Patch probes are based on electrochemical measures of permeability of


hydrogen which is absorbed through a wall and escapes outside.

A first type (amperometric) is based on the electrochemical oxidation of atomic


hydrogen to hydrogen ions; ionisation current is a direct measure of the
hydrogen permeating through the wall, that is the hydrogen flux.

In potentiometric types, the Nernst potential is measured of a palladium


element in contact with the wall where hydrogen permeates. The measured
potential is a measure of the absorbed hydrogen. This kind of sensors often uses
a solid electrolyte.

3.7 Galvanic probes

They are used in waters to measure the content of dissolved oxygen.

The operating principles are illustrated in ASTM G 71.

The probe consists of two different metallic elements (for instance iron and
gold), in exposed to water; short circuit current is measured between the two
elements, whose intensity is proportional to dissolved oxygen concentration.

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3.8 Bioprobe

It is a probe for monitoring of micro-biological activity, in particular of


sulphate reducing bacteria in deaerated environments.

In a preferred version, the bioprobe consist of a coupon holder, flush mounted


inside the pipe. On the holder some coupons are assembled, exposed to the
fluid and each one insulated from the pipe and from other coupons in order to
prevent whatever galvanic effect.

On the exposed sample, after removal, micro-biological analysis are


periodically carried out.

3.9 Thin Layer Activation (TLA)

The technique consists in the exposure to the environment of a metal sample


with a surface layer containing traces of radioactive isotope (usually a part
every 1010). When corrosion, erosion or abrasion occur on the activated layer, a
decrease in residual radioactivity is observed.

The reading can be taken from the outside, measuring the energy (gamma rays)
emitted by the activated layer. Intensity of radiation is proportional to the
residual thickness of the activated zone.

The thickness of activated layer can be controlled very precisely, from microns
to millimetres; the most used thickness ranges from 25 to 300 micron.

Field application usually consists in activating a position of the component to


monitor. In case the activation on the material to be monitored is not allowed, a
sample can be activated to be inserted in the pipeline or equipment.

The advantage of this technique are evident, because it is not necessary to


perforate the components of the system to install the probes and because it is
possible to monitor directly the behaviour of the areas considered mostly prone
to corrosion and/or erosion phenomena in real conditions.

A limitation of this method consists in the difficulties in finding localised


attacks. To overcome this drawback, double radioactive layers are under study,
each layer having it own radiation wave length.

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Il presente documento è RISERVATO ed è di proprietà dell'AGIP. Esso non sarà mostrato a Terzi né sarà utilizzato per scopi diversi da quelli per i quali è stato inviato.
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3.10 Ultrasonic and x-rays inspection

The periodic measure of wall thickness by ultrasonic inspection allows the


monitoring of corrosion rate.

the technique is applicable to monitor general corrosion, in particular attacks


due to turbulence near elbows or valves. It can be used to detect stepwise
cracking forms.

Application to localised corrosion is difficult and requires control with angle


probes and particularly trained operators.

Measures can be easily effected with plant in operation and during shut down
periods.

Readings shall be taken in correspondence of positions of the plant preventively


defined based on expected local corrosivity. Such positions shall be accurately
marked to allow periodical repetition of the readings in order to follow the
evolution of the corrosive attack.

Ultrasonic inspections are normally repeated on a six month or yearly base.

This method has specific advantages: it is not necessary to penetrate the pipe or
vessel to be inspected and results are obtained as residual thickness.
Instruments are available in portable versions. All accessible areas of the plant
can be monitored.

Presence of paints, coating or thermal insulating materials can make


measurements difficult or impossible.

X-rays inspection is used mostly during plant general inspection. This


technique, as well as ultrasonic inspection, is suitable to detect only general
corrosion attacks. In particular, corrosion-erosion attack in high turbulence
components can be effectively monitored.

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Il presente documento è RISERVATO ed è di proprietà dell'AGIP. Esso non sarà mostrato a Terzi né sarà utilizzato per scopi diversi da quelli per i quali è stato inviato.
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3.11 Chemical analysis

Chemical analysis include:


− water analysis;
− scale and corrosion product analysis (those removed from corrosion coupons
included)
− dissolved gas analysis (oxygen, carbon dioxide and solfidric acid)
− suspended solid analysis.

The most significant parameters monitored are:


− pH;
− temperature;
− dissolved solids (TDS);
− ferrous and ferric ions;
− dissolved oxygen (up to one part per billion);
− organic acids;
− corrosion inhibitor residual content.

Accuracy and reliability of chemical analysis depend on good sampling.


Analysis shall be executed as soon as possible after sampling, to avoid
modifications that can significantly modify the results. If quick tests cannot be
carried out, samples shall be treated to allow conservation or, alternatively,
shall be executed on site.

3.12 Micro-biological analysis

Micro-biological analysis are carried out to determine the eventual presence in


water of specific micro-organism, in particular sulphate reducing bacteria
(SRB) and iron bacteria.

Microbial analysis shall be done in laboratory to determine the kind of bacteria


and their concentration through serial dilution (see API RP 38).

For field analysis, kits are available for SRB monitoring.

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Il presente documento è RISERVATO ed è di proprietà dell'AGIP. Esso non sarà mostrato a Terzi né sarà utilizzato per scopi diversi da quelli per i quali è stato inviato.
This document is CONFIDENTIAL and the sole property of AGIP. It shall neither be shown to third parties nor used for purposes other than those for which it has been sent.
03584.VAR.COR.PRG
Rev.1 June 1995
Sheet 19

4 PROBE INSTALLATION

4.1 Exposure modes

Corrosion probes shall be properly exposed to the aggressive environment


whose corrosive activity has to be monitored. With reference to pipes, the
following modes of exposure are possible:
− central mounted;
− flush mounted, at bottom;
− flush mounted, at top of the line;
− bottom mounted, inside water trap.

Insertion of the probes into the pipeline is made through specific access fittings.
Access fittings are usually located, flanged or welded, on the upper part of the
pipe or on the most adequate position for retrieving operations, also considering
geometric and interference bonds with near structure.

In multiphase systems, oil-water and oil-gas-water, position of the probes shall


guarantee exposition to the water phase and not to the other phases.

4.1.1 Central position

This exposure mode is intended both in the centre of pipe and at different levels
between bottom and top of the line.

It is adequate in situations where the corrosive phase (for instance the aqueous
phase) is present in the whole cross section of the pipe or at least in most of it.

In multiphase systems, oil-water and oil-gas-water, in particular with corrosion


coupons, central position is applicable when water content is equal to 20% or
greater of total liquids; probes shall be located between middle of the pipe and
bottom. However, in this case, flush probes or water trap probes are preferred.

Probe position is determined calculating the correct length of the holder of the
probe.

4.1.2 Flush mounted probes

Flush mounted probes are installed near the internal surface of the pipe or
vessel without protruding into the cross section; hydrodynamic conditions are
not modified and the probe experiences same corrosive conditions existing on
the internal walls of the pipe.

Flush mounted probes are not always applicable because there is often not
space enough below the line to allow removal of the probes. Excavations may
be dangerous because of the possible presence of gas and because of the
difficulty to evacuate the plant in case of accident.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Il presente documento è RISERVATO ed è di proprietà dell'AGIP. Esso non sarà mostrato a Terzi né sarà utilizzato per scopi diversi da quelli per i quali è stato inviato.
This document is CONFIDENTIAL and the sole property of AGIP. It shall neither be shown to third parties nor used for purposes other than those for which it has been sent.
03584.VAR.COR.PRG
Rev.1 June 1995
Sheet 20

Fittings mounted on bottom of the line require special design to allow removal
of deposits from threads.

4.1.3 Water traps

In multiphase systems when water quantity is low (below 20% of total liquids),
it is convenient to create artificially, in the pipe to be monitored, a water
collecting area where probes can be placed (water traps).

Conditions inside water traps, where corrosion probe is placed, simulate


conditions on bottom of the pipe, although hydrodynamic conditions result
static instead of dynamic.

Samples of liquids can be collected from water traps through a valve.

4.2 Retrievers

Installation of the probes, as well as their periodical removal, is carried out by a


suitable retriever.

The retriever allows to insert, substitute or remove probes with the pipeline or
plant in service.

Retriever are available to operate with temperatures up to 120°C and pressures


up to 600 bar.

There are two types of retriever: mechanical and hydraulic.

In a mechanical retriever, the counter pressure to extract the probe is effected


by a threaded mechanical seal.

In a hydraulic extractor, the counter pressure is provided by a hydraulic system.


Hydraulic extractor has smaller dimensions and weight and is more reliable.

From a safety standpoint during operations, in particular with working plants


(high temperature and pressure, in presence of dangerous fluids) hydraulic
system has to be preferred because it allows remote control in the most critical
phases (extraction and installing).

Adequate maintenance shall be periodically provided to all moving parts of the


retriever.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Il presente documento è RISERVATO ed è di proprietà dell'AGIP. Esso non sarà mostrato a Terzi né sarà utilizzato per scopi diversi da quelli per i quali è stato inviato.
This document is CONFIDENTIAL and the sole property of AGIP. It shall neither be shown to third parties nor used for purposes other than those for which it has been sent.

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