Statistical Analysis of External Corrosion Anomaly Data of Cased Pipe Segments

Cased pipe segments are generally believed to be very safe; however, external corrosion compromising the integrity of the cased pipes does exist.  The primary types of external corrosion include atmospheric corrosion and corrosion by electrolyte.  The external corrosion by electrolyte occurs when cathodic protection (CP) is shielded, for instance, by the casing wall, by the insulator spacers, or by accumulation of mud/deposits in the casing-carrier pipe annulus.  When a metallic short is present, any CP benefit could be completely eliminated.

This study addresses the significance of corrosion damage, for which a statistical analysis of ILI data of cased pipe segments from seven pipeline operators was performed.  The evaluation also included investigating the effects of metallic and electrolytic shorts on the corrosion of cased pipe segments, summarizing results from a review of failure incidents of cased pipe segments during the past 22 years, and performing an assessment of the preferential location of a peak anomaly on a cased pipe segment.