Managing corrosion – EI launches new support for oil & gas operators

The second edition of the EI’s ‘Guidance for corrosion management in oil and gas production and processing’ has been fully updated and significantly expanded with annexes detailing corrosion mechanisms and illustrative case studies to help practitioners apply agreed good practice in their corrosion management systems and procedures.

A launch event at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre will today hear from speakers from oil and gas operators and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which regulates the industry.

Speaking ahead of the launch, the EI’s Technical Director Martin Maeso MEI said:

“When we fill up the car or turn on the gas or lights at home we’re unlikely to think about the significant challenges presented by corrosion to those working to produce the energy we all need.

“Whether it’s producing oil and gas or generating wind power, this industry operates in some of the most challenging conditions – in particular in extreme weathers and deep seas offshore.

“The EI is proud that this document is turned to by professionals the world over as the de facto standard for managing the impact of corrosion on daily operations and in prolonging the life of assets.

“The unique value of the EI’s approach is that it brings industry together in a spirit of collaboration and fosters links between the sector and regulators. We’re grateful for the HSE’s continued endorsement and support in this endeavour, which gives this publication real credibility.”

The first edition of the guidance, published in 2008, was recognised in the HSE’s Ageing and Life Extension Programme (KP4) as a major contribution to the industry’s successes in addressing corrosion issues. This second edition has been restructured to align with the HSE’s new ‘Managing for Health and Safety’ (HSG 65) model and is fully endorsed by the regulator.

Louise Atkin, Principal Specialist Inspector - Materials and Corrosion at the HSE said:

“Corrosion presents a serious asset integrity threat to offshore production and processing facilities, and so as a regulator we need to have confidence that good practices are being observed to achieve regulatory compliance. The EI’s guidance is a great example of the industry rising to this challenge. It follows a sensible and proportionate approach, ensuring health and safety management of corrosion risks in the energy sector is easier and more effective for everyone involved.”

Dr David Hillis, Specialist Materials and Corrosion Engineer at Total said:

“The EI’s corrosion management guidance is indispensable for oil and gas operators working to protect the environment they work in while getting the most out of their assets. Corrosion can cost operators millions of pounds every year, so use of this guidance presents an opportunity to make significant savings and improve profitability for operators.”

The EI today also launches a new online eLearning course - Corrosion Under Insulation - providing the foundational knowledge and competency required for visual inspection of asset integrity threats. It sits alongside the EI’s significant portfolio of oil and gas training courses.

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/offshore-and-subsea/21032019/managing-corrosion-ei-launches-new-support-for-oil-gas-operators/