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Internal corrosion is a continuing cause of oil and gas pipeline degradation, leading to leaks and catastrophic failures. Although methods for managing internal corrosion are well established, many pipeline operators have experienced repeated internal corrosion incidents, suggesting that opportunities likely exist for continuous improvement. Learning from past incidents is one way to avoid having history repeat itself. Three levels of analysis that can be used for diagnosing corrosion incidents are determining the immediate or direct cause, identifying the basic or contributing causes, and analyzing the root causes from a management systems perspective. Pipeline operators can use these analyses to learn from internal corrosion incidents and identify steps for continuous improvement of internal corrosion management programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses recommendations for pipeline companies to prepare for rules being considered by the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration regarding internal corrosion in regulated pipelines. Historical information is presented on previous pipeline regulations, particularly those introduced shortly after the 2000 pipeline rupture in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Enhanced authority provided through the Pipeline Safety Act of 2012 is also addressed.

The article examines forensic engineering in supporting corrosion management. Regular analysis of operating and monitoring data, and investigation of damaged system components are ways to verify internal corrosion threats. It is stated that corrosion monitoring provides data about metal loss rate due to pipeline corrosion and not the corrosion mechanism. Forensic corrosion engineering focuses on physical and circumstantial evidence associated with material failures.

A calendar of several courses of the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) from August-November 2016 which include Internal Corrosion for Pipelines, Cathodic Protection Technician and Corrosion Control in the Refining Industry.