Corrosion Under

Insulation (CUI)
Description
 Corrosion piping resulting from water trapped under insulation or fireproofing

 water trapped under insulation

Figure from API 571 2011ed

Affected metallurgy
 Carbon and alloy steel 10°F (–12°C) and 350°F (175°C)
 intermittent service above 350°F

 Stainless and Duplex SS 140ºF (60°C) and 400ºF (205°C)

 CUI of CS Figure from API 571 2011ed

Critical factor
 Poor design or installations that allow water to become trapped
 Cyclic thermal operation or intermittent service
 Equipment / Plant operating below Dew point, contaminants leach from
insulation, plant located in area of high rainfall or marine are prone to CUI
 Environments that provide airborne contaminants like chlorides, SO2