NACE

Test Your Knowledge

NACE Quiz: Protecting the Heart of Oil & Gas

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What is the primary focus of NACE International? a) Developing new oil and gas extraction technologies. b) Promoting environmental sustainability in the oil and gas industry. c) Preventing and managing corrosion. d) Training and certifying oil and gas engineers.

2. Which NACE standard addresses the selection of materials for sour service environments? a) NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 b) NACE SP0169 c) NACE TM0168 d) NACE SP0181

3. How does NACE contribute to the safety of the oil and gas industry? a) By developing new safety regulations for oil and gas facilities. b) By providing training and certification for safety professionals. c) By establishing standards for corrosion prevention, which reduces the risk of leaks and spills. d) By advocating for the use of safer oil and gas extraction methods.

4. What is a key benefit of adhering to NACE standards in the oil and gas industry? a) Increased production of oil and gas. b) Reduced environmental impact of oil and gas operations. c) Reduced costs associated with corrosion damage. d) Improved safety and reliability of oil and gas infrastructure.

5. Which of the following is NOT a way that NACE supports the oil and gas industry? a) Developing industry standards for corrosion prevention. b) Conducting research on new corrosion prevention technologies. c) Providing training and certification for corrosion control professionals. d) Lobbying for government subsidies for oil and gas exploration.

NACE Exercise: Corrosion in Pipelines

Scenario: A company is planning to install a new pipeline to transport natural gas. The pipeline will be located in a coastal environment with high humidity and exposure to salt spray.

Task: Identify three potential corrosion risks for the pipeline in this environment and recommend NACE standards that can help mitigate those risks.

Techniques

Chapter 1: Techniques

Corrosion Prevention and Control Techniques in Oil & Gas

This chapter delves into the various techniques employed to prevent and control corrosion in the oil and gas industry, drawing upon NACE standards and best practices.

1.1 Material Selection

• Understanding Corrosion Mechanisms: This section explains the different types of corrosion, such as uniform corrosion, pitting corrosion, galvanic corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking, highlighting the specific challenges in oil and gas environments.
• Selecting Corrosion-Resistant Materials: Discusses the use of corrosion-resistant alloys, including stainless steels, nickel alloys, and titanium, along with their limitations and applications.
• NACE MR0175/ISO 15156: This section elaborates on the NACE standard for materials selection in sour service environments, emphasizing the importance of selecting materials resistant to sulfide stress cracking.

1.2 Coatings and Linings

• Protective Coatings: Covers different types of coatings, such as organic coatings, metallic coatings, and ceramic coatings, their application methods, and the importance of proper coating thickness and adhesion.
• Linings: Explains the role of linings in protecting pipelines and equipment from corrosive fluids. This includes discussion on various lining materials, including polymers, glass, and ceramics, and their suitability for different applications.
• Coating Inspection and Maintenance: Stresses the importance of regular inspection and maintenance of coatings to ensure their effectiveness and identify potential issues.

1.3 Inhibitors

• Types of Inhibitors: Discusses various inhibitor types, including film-forming inhibitors, cathodic inhibitors, and anodic inhibitors.
• Inhibitor Selection: Explains the factors to consider when selecting inhibitors, such as the specific corrosive environment, the compatibility with the materials, and the required inhibitor concentration.
• Inhibitor Monitoring and Control: Highlights the importance of monitoring inhibitor levels and adjusting their concentration to maintain effective corrosion prevention.

1.4 Cathodic Protection

• Principles of Cathodic Protection: Explains how cathodic protection works, including impressed current and sacrificial anode systems.
• Design and Installation of Cathodic Protection Systems: Covers the steps involved in designing and installing cathodic protection systems, including the selection of anodes, the design of the power source, and the installation procedures.
• Monitoring and Maintenance of Cathodic Protection Systems: Stresses the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure the effectiveness of cathodic protection systems.

1.5 Other Techniques

• Water Treatment: Discusses the role of water treatment in preventing corrosion, including techniques such as pH control, oxygen scavenging, and chemical treatment.
• Stress Management: Emphasizes the importance of designing structures and components to minimize stress concentrations and prevent stress-induced corrosion.
• Monitoring and Inspection: Covers various techniques for monitoring corrosion, including visual inspection, NDT methods (e.g., ultrasonic testing, radiography), and remote monitoring systems.

1.6 NACE Standards and Best Practices

• This section highlights the significance of adhering to NACE standards and best practices for effective corrosion control in the oil and gas industry.
• It emphasizes the role of NACE standards in defining minimum requirements, ensuring consistent practices, and reducing the risk of corrosion failures.
• It also explores the value of adopting NACE-recommended best practices in areas such as design, construction, operation, and maintenance.

This chapter serves as a comprehensive guide to the most effective techniques for corrosion prevention and control in the oil and gas sector, ensuring the safe and reliable operation of essential infrastructure.