Corrosion Control

Our technicians are familiar with the causes of corrosion, the devastating potential problems it can cause, and the methods by which it can be identified, monitored, and controlled - and most importantly, how it can be prevented in the future:

• Service & Main Testing - the systems are checked to determine their functioning level.

• Stray Current Analysis - this approach to detecting or monitoring stray current activity is through the measurement of structure-to-soil potentials, which are measured relative to a reference electrode in contact with the ground. A test lead is attached to the structure for these measurements, which is facilitated through test stations. Dynamic stray current effects can usually be identified by fluctuations in time. Typically, data has to be collected over extended time periods, to assess the magnitude and frequency in potential fluctuations over time. An array of potential recorders (data loggers) can be strategically connected at test stations in a pipeline system, for characterizing stray current activity.

• Rectifier Monitoring Maintenance - voltage, current and AC power are monitored, readings are polled, reports are scheduled, and maintenance is recommended and performed.

• Annual Assessment of Compliance Piping - since equipment grows or shrinks depending on thermal conditions, such a limitation on anchor/support displacements can have a profound impact on the calculation of piping code stresses, when more than one thermal operating condition is analyzed. Since the worst case stress in piping code compliance is quite often the stress range between different thermal operating conditions (T1 to T2, T1 to T3, T2 to T3, etc.), the ability to calculate a stress range between multiple operating conditions, while considering different external displacements in each thermal condition, can make the difference between passing or failing code compliance.

• Close Interval Surveys - Close Interval Surveys (CIS) - sometimes referred to as pipe-to-soil and potential gradient surveys - are one of several tools used to assess the performance and effectiveness of installed cathodic protections (CP) systems used on underground pipelines, and to detect some coating defects. CIS is often used as one of several indirect inspection tools in External Corrosion Direct Assessment (ECDA). Normally at least two separate inspection tools must be used to obtain desired confidence in inspection results.

• CIS are used to measure the potential (voltage) difference between buried pipes with earthen cover and their surrounding soil. Where the pipe is located under concrete or asphalt, precautions must be taken to ensure good electrical contact with the soil surrounding the pipeline. This is typically accomplished by boring holes through the concrete or asphalt to allow contact with the soil.

There are three basic types of CIS:

1. "On/off" potential surveys measure the potential difference between the pipe and the ground surface as the cathodic protection is switched on and off.  On-off surveys are used to evaluate the performance of the CP system against system performance criteria and can be used to detect some coating anomalies.
2. "Depolarized" potential surveys measure the potential difference between the pipe and the ground surface after the cathodic protection current has been switched off long enough for the pipe-to-soil potential to stabilize.  Depolarized potential is used to evaluate CP system effectiveness by measuring polarization decay.
3. "On" potential surveys measure the potential difference between the pipe and the ground surface at regular intervals while the cathodic protection is operating in its normal mode.  On potential surveys are used when cathodic protection current sources cannot be interrupted.

• Sparking Meter Assessment - sparking between a pipe connection and a meter is called electrolysis, which occurs when there's a short between the electrical system and the piping.  If not corrected this will cause pipe corrosion.

Pipe Replacement Program

We methodically search out, check and recommend replacement of corroded or outdated pipes:

• Technical Reviews of Proposed Pipe Replacement
• Risk Analysis

Critical Valve Maintenance

Stability, minimal maintenance, and maximum service life are desirable to the proper operation of critical control valves. Our dedicated critical valve program can be customized to include one or all of the following:

• Blowout and Test Valves
• Verify Field Dimensions
• Install Debris Cap with Valve Tag attached
• Paint Valve Cover
• Generate Reports for Regulatory Board presentation

Quality Assurance Reviews

A planned and systematic review of all actions necessary, in strict accordance with standard quality procedures approved, to provide adequate confidence that the item or system conforms to established technical requirements. Confidential reviews are available for auditing programs currently in place:

• Flame Ionization Quality Control Review
• Corrosion Control Quality Control Review

Gas Leak Pinpointing

Our technicians are well-skilled involved in the exact method of pinpointing leaks, converting the invisible gas flow into a visible real-time color image, so that its source can be quickly pinpointed and evaluated, and the leak repaired minimizing the risks of explosion, fire, personal injury and production loss.

• Class I, II, & III leaks can be pinpointed to the exact location to be excavated.