3. METAL PIPE GUIDES

Metal pipe guides are often used on pipelines where movement of the span is anticipated. That movement may be a result of thermal expansion and contraction, start up and shut down sequences, or vibration of the pipe during normal operation. The problem with choosing metal as the guide is the damage that can, and will, be caused when the pipe rubs against the metal guide as it expands and contracts or moves back and forth. This abrasive action compromises the coating and exposes the steel to the atmosphere and crevice corrosion cells. This design does not isolate the pipe or protect the coating while trapping water. Supports like these can cause pipe failure in an exceptionally short amount of time.

4. UNCOATED U-BOLT

When a pipe is secured by a galvanized U-bolt there are a couple issues that can arise. The first occurs during the initial installation of the U-bolt. During the installation process, the rough galvanized surface can damage the coating on the pipe and compromising the protection it provides. The second is after the u-bolt is secured in place. Cumulative movement or vibration of the pipe causes the rough surface of the galvanizing to damage to the pipe coating. Once the coating is damaged, moisture will begin to slowly soften the area and cause the coating to separate from the bare steel pipe and the familiar corrosion cell is formed indicating imminent failure.

5. FRP / Fiberglass PADS

FRP / Fiberglass Pads are sometimes promoted as the ideal “wear pad” solution for protecting the production pipe from the damage caused by pipe movement. This is another costly misconception. While there is a need to protect a metal pipe from rubbing against a metal support, using a curved fiberglass pad to cover a large section of the pipeline. creates a substantially larger crevice than if the pipe were sitting directly on the steel support. The crevice holds water against the pipe, softening the paint and establishing the corrosion cell upon compromising the coating. The second important problem with this type of wear pad is that it is essentially impossible to inspect the space between the pad and the production pipeline for corrosion. The damage that is happening due to corrosion caused by trapped water is invisible creates a serious risk for catastrophic failure and damage to a very large section of the pipeline.

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