Optimizing Corrosion Mitigation Costs Using Failure Analysis

Failure analysis and root cause analysis of corroded pipelines and pipingsystem components can provide operators with valuable information to help prevent future failures while optimizing mitigation costs. Using some basic steps for preparation and investigation, operators can determine the applicable corrosion mechanism(s)causing the corrosion and implementor adjust the measures taken to mitigate the corrosion. Collecting multiple lines of evidence about chemicaland microbiological conditions, corrosion products, and operating parameters is essential. Targeting mitigation measures to only the applicable corrosion mechanism(s) can support mitigation cost optimization, such as byapplying only the most efficacious chemical treatments.