Case Study
The following images were captured in 2017 during a routine topside inspection of the first offshore structure where I-Rod® pipe supports were specified (see the 13-year study for photos of the same support material in 2002). The system was installed in 1989 for less than $10,000 USD. These photos show the long-term success of the system at 13 and 28 years when Deepwater Corrosion Services, Inc. visited the structures for inspections in 2002 and 2017.
2002: 13 years after installation
![This fuel gas line is always wet (the green coloration is mold) and the beam paint system has failed, but no corrosion has occurred at the pipe support.](/media/4556/13-1.png)
This fuel gas line is always wet (the green coloration is mold) and the beam paint system has failed, but no corrosion has occurred at the pipe support.
2017: 28 years after installation
![28 years after installation, the fuel gas line shows minor paint failure at the support but the I-Rod is still intact.](/media/4559/28-1.png)
28 years after installation, the fuel gas line shows minor paint failure at the support but the I-Rod is still intact.
![Another pipe that stays wet, as evidenced by the mold and mildew on its surface. At 13 years after installation, the support was performing well.](/media/4554/13-2.png)
Another pipe that stays wet, as evidenced by the mold and mildew on its surface. At 13 years after installation, the support was performing well.
![28 years after installation, the coating is almost completely disintegrated and I-Rod still successfully prevented crevice corrosion.](/media/4577/28-2.png)
28 years after installation, the coating is almost completely disintegrated and I-Rod still successfully prevented crevice corrosion.
![This support remains well-preserved despite being exposed to harsh offshore conditions.](/media/4555/13-3.png)
This support remains well-preserved despite being exposed to harsh offshore conditions.
![The Nu-Bolt has received a few coats of paint over the decades but no new corrosion.](/media/4561/28-3.png)
The Nu-Bolt has received a few coats of paint over the decades but no new corrosion.
![I-Rod is particularly effective on small-diameter screwed piping.](/media/4557/13-4.png)
I-Rod is particularly effective on small-diameter screwed piping.
![After 28 years the I-Rod shows no change long after the coating has failed.](/media/4563/28-4.png)
After 28 years the I-Rod shows no change long after the coating has failed.
![I-Rod was used to dress beams beneath multiple pipes. No corrosion at 13 years.](/media/4562/13-5.png)
I-Rod was used to dress beams beneath multiple pipes. No corrosion at 13 years.
![I-Rod supporting multiple pipes across a standard beam support.](/media/4565/28-5.png)
I-Rod supporting multiple pipes across a standard beam support.
![At 13 years, I-Rod is showing some signs of stress on the right pipe.](/media/4558/13-6.png)
At 13 years, I-Rod is showing some signs of stress on the right pipe.
![15 years after the photo to the left, the crack has not compromised the support or intensified corrosion.](/media/4564/28-6.png)
15 years after the photo to the left, the crack has not compromised the support or intensified corrosion.