Materials Selection & Design

Final Report Issued on 2019 Refinery Fire, Explosion in Philadelphia

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board released its findings regarding a massive fire and explosions at the Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery in 2019. The incident occurred when a corroded pipe elbow ruptured, releasing process fluid into the hydrofluoric acid alkylation unit.

Hydrochloric Acid Corrosion of a Venturi Gas Scrubber

A common source of gaseous compounds in the refining industry is the overhead exhaust/vent of the regeneration tower within a continuous catalytic reforming unit.

Shop Coating vs. Field Coating: Pros and Cons

This article from Charles S. Brown of Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. explores key differences between shop coating and field painting, as well as the pros and cons of shop-applied coatings vs. field-applied coatings on new steel.

Transducers Use Ultrasonic Guided Waves to Detect Pipe Anomalies

The San Antonio-based Southwest Research Institute is creating its next generation of transducers using ultrasonic guided wave technology to help detect anomalies in pipes. In turn, this is designed to allow users to prevent leaks before they start.

Comparing Corrosion Among Three Coastal Florida Sites

Knowing the corrosion severity of a particular environment is important when designing and maintaining infrastructure—and even more so in coastal environments. Certain factors can cause corrosion rates to vary significantly. This study aims to provide answers.

U.S. Army Extends Contract for Non-Corrosive Deicer Development

OCOchem was awarded a contract extension to create a chemical process to manufacture a lower-cost, non-corrosive, chlorine-free deicer to protect U.S. Army and other military equipment from damage caused by rock or road salt.

U.K. Rail Regulator Publishes Trains Safety Report

The Office of Rail and Road, the economic and safety regulator of Britain’s railway, made a series of recommendations based on a review of how the rail industry responded to a range of potential safety issues, including cracking.

Study: How Rising Sea Levels Affect Foundations

A new study by Colorado State University civil engineers examines hidden costs to building foundations due to rising sea levels. They propose a method for inspection and repair to lower costs associated with deterioration from saltwater corrosion.

U.S. House Introduces Bridge Corrosion Prevention and Repair Act

Introduced over the summer of 2022, the proposed federal legislation would require corrosion planning and the use of qualified and trained professionals on all bridge construction, repair, and maintenance projects throughout the country.

Deadline Nears for 2023 MP Corrosion Innovation Awards

Winning innovations must show potential for a positive impact in corrosion control. Innovations can be related to coatings and linings, materials, design, equipment, testing, monitoring, modeling/risk assessment, cathodic protection, chemical treatment, or beyond.

Material Selection for Use in Solar Power Generation

First developed for use in the oil and gas industry, superalloy N07740 is now being used in solar power receiver tubes due to the desire to reduce CO2 emissions. These particular tubes have a heat transfer agent (molten salt) that transfers and stocks solar energy.

Pittsburgh Bridge Showed ‘Major Decay’ Months Before Collapse

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation released an inspection report completed on the Fern Hollow Bridge four months before its collapse, which appeared to show major structural decay. Despite findings from the fall 2021 inspection, no immediate repairs were ordered.

U.S. Study Calls for More Oversight of Offshore Oil, Gas Pipelines

According to a study from the U.S. Government Accountability Office, a more robust oversight process is needed to ensure the integrity of approximately 8,600 miles of active offshore oil and gas pipelines in the Gulf of Mexico. New proposed rules are expected by late 2022.

Metallurgical Analysis of Hydrotested ERW Pipeline

In this case study, metallurgical analysis was performed on a carbon steel pipeline that leaked during hydrotesting. An inspection indicated the presence of a defect at the electric resistance welded seam, and it was determined to have formed due to incomplete fusion during welding.

Soil Corrosivity Investigation via Physical and Chemical Composition

In this work, soil corrosivity of the central desert of Iran was investigated by analyzing the physical-chemical characteristics of soils, weight loss testing, and electrochemical measurements.