Internal Corrosion
As of the end of 1997, there were approximately 266000 km of energy-related pipelines under the jurisdiction of the Alberta Energy Utility Board. The inventory of pipelines in Alberta continues to grow, averaging an annual increase of about 4% during the 1990s. These pipelines carry many substances, including:
- sour natural gas
- highly volatile products (propane, ethane, butane, and combinations)
- crude oil (sweet and sour)
- oil effluent
- multiphase (sweet and sour) gas and oil
- light volatile products (liquid fuels)
- natural gas
- fuel gas
- salt water
- miscellaneous liquids
- gases
- fresh water
From 1980-1997, a total of 12 137 operating pipeline failures were recorded, averaging 674 failures per year. Internal corrosion caused the majority (about 50%) of these failures.
The addition of corrosion inhibitors is by far the most effective method of controlling internal corrosion. Coatings and liners are increasingly used to control internal corrosion.