Corrosion education as a tool for the survival of natural gas industry

Abstract

Corrosion has been identified as the major problem to the pipeline industry. It single-handedly contributes to over 50% failure of global pipeline system and also cost the industry trillions of dollars annually on prevention and correction. However, as knowledge in corrosion science and engineering advances, the basic knowledge decreases. This work is prepared to study natural gas pipeline corrosion from cradle to grave. The paper identifies the types of corrosion, their causes, initiation processes within the pipeline, and the consequences of the resulted corrosion on the industry and environment as well as the means to prevent this major problem in the industry. Finally, this study is able to recommend both predictive and corrective measures in handling the problem. Conclusively, this article is very valuable to both the researchers and the people in the industry since it is able to successfully present adequate basic background on corrosion for those with little knowledge on this subject and also gives the research trend to the experts in the field.