Corrosion under the labels for process piping

[andygo11]

Hi, recently we got reported corrosion issues under the process piping (flow code0 from both on shore and off shore facilities. The labels are the plastic wraps. The metal loss can be up to 2 mm for the 8 mm wall thickness. Do you have any experiences about this. How to prevent?

 

[andygo11]

Forgot to mention, labels are on the coated pipes and no insulation.

 

[TugboatEng]

Does the pipe vibrate causing the label to wear trough the coating?

 

[mk3223]

I doubt that there are either the coating under the pipe label damaged or no coating at all. It may help to visually inspect the corroded pipe at the pipe label and the coating first, and then perform a failure analysis as necessary.

 

[bimr]

Please post a picture.

Is water vapor being trapped under the plastic? If so, use a different type of label.

Labels shall be made from materials, and manufactured by a process that provides a permanent label suitable for all environments in which the facilities might operate. The label material shall also be compatible with the material on which it is attached. Labels, when attached, shall not trap air or moisture between the label and surface to which it is attached, nor compromise the surface coating and thus accelerate the rate of corrosion. All labeling materials shall withstand direct contact with all process chemicals, contact temperatures as defined in material specifications, and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight without deterioration for a minimum of 5 years.

 

[SJones]

It's a clearly identified problem in the Energy Institute External Corrosion Awareness Handbook. Most operators go for painted ID marking, particularly on stainless steel piping where cracking can be initiated.

Steve Jones
Corrosion Management Consultant

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/8/83b/b04

All answers are personal opinions only and are in no way connected with any employer.