Corrosion of Flowline

An impermeable insulation was fitted to a flowline as a coating repair.

This repair trapped moisture underneath it leading to corrosion.

Findings:

• The assessment that identified the coating repair as suitable did not identify that the flowlines known movement would compromise the coatings seal once applied. This resulted in the seal being ineffective allowing moisture in.
• The visual inspections post application did not detect the faulty seal; this was influenced by site ergonomics.