API 570 Pipeline Inspection

TesTex UK conducted an API 570 pipeline inspection at a UK tank farm. The condition of the pipeline was generally good with some remedial action recommended such as shims for supports, new supports, painting and replacing of fasteners.

An unusual defect was located however where something as benign as a plastic flow direction label had over the years slipped and the resulting gap had filled with moisture and moss in turn creating an area of corrosion at the 6 ‘o’ clock position. The resulting corrosion accounted for wall loss over 50% of the pipe nominal thickness. The client action was to replace the spool section completely.

In summary it demonstrates that the threat to maintaining good pipeline condition can come from the most obscure sources and in this case merely a label.