SOIL-TO-AIR REGION OF A CRUDE OIL PIPELINE

In evaluating the performance of organic coating (Polyethylene Tape) in the corrosion protection of mild steel pipelines, pipelines around the shores of Escravos in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria with organic coating (Polyethylene tape) installed at the soil-to-air interface (Transition section) for 14 years was considered in the scope of this study. This was to provide performance data when considering the use of Polyethylene Tape coating on the of pipeline transition section
that is susceptible to accelerated corrosion attack due to numerous environmental variables.Corrosion damage ranging from surface rust to mild external corrosion were noted on the specimen pipeline surfaces and with no evidence of through wall perforation noted on the
polyethylene tape coating, however, coagulation failure (Adhesive failure between adhesive
layer and pipe surface) was observed in all specimen examined. A limitation in the effectiveness of organic coating (Polyethylene Tape) in corrosion protection of mild steel due to its none continuous spread (many joining points) over the coated pipeline surfaces thereby providing failure prone locations was established.