Corrosion is a big problem for aging pipelines as well as the integrity managers responsible for the maintenance of these pipelines. If not detected, corrosion can quickly lead to catastrophic ruptures, as it did in the 2006 spill in the Prudhoe Bay oil field of Alaska. A multitude of methods are used to detect and reduce corrosion, including corrosion coupons, pigging, chemical inhibitors, FSMs and ultrasonic testing. Yet, integrity managers, responsible for the maintenance of over 2.4 million miles (3.8 million kms)of pipeline throughout the United States and Canada, much of that in remote and environmentally sensitive areas, are still challenged to obtain the corrosion data they need when they need it and within budget.
This paper will analyze some of the various methods for integrity management, outlining each method’s pros and cons.  Then, we will describe the corrosion process, how hydrogen is formed and the various types of catastrophic failures that can occur as a result of hydrogen formation.  Next, we will outline the latest in hydrogen corrosion monitoring technology, identifying its benefits and capabilities within an integrity management program. Lastly, we will provide two case studies from oil & gas companies currently using hydrogen corrosion monitors, why they chose a hydrogen monitor and what impact this technology has had on their overall integrity management program.