A non-intrusive, non-contact method for inspecting ferrous pipelines. MTM covers 100% of the pipeline and has been proven in industry use since 2001.
Excalibur Shield Internal corrosion monitoring against MIC
An internal pipeline corrosion monitoring system that combines a weight loss coupon with liquid and solid sample collection, for an accurate assessment of the pipeline’s internal condition.
Overview
- Body material
- 316L stainless steel
- Pressure rating
- 2,000 PSI
- Sample cavity
- 100 mL
- Coupons per holder
- 1 to 3
Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is corrosion caused by the presence and activity of microorganisms such as microalgae, bacteria and fungi. Microorganisms do not produce unique types of corrosion, but they accelerate and shift the corrosion mechanism.
Microbial action contributes to rapid corrosion of metals and alloys exposed to soils, seawater, fresh and distilled water, crude oil, hydrocarbon fuels, processed chemicals and sewage. MIC affects oil production, power generation, transportation, and water and wastewater infrastructure.
Techniques for identifying MIC are non-standard and open to interpretation. MIC usually occurs at interfaces where scale, wax and other solids settle or precipitate. Areas downstream of welds where cleaning pigs struggle to remove deposits, dead legs, low-velocity areas and tank bottoms are particularly susceptible. The resulting pitting is often isolated: one hole surrounded by a number of shallower pits.
The Excalibur Shield is the most sophisticated internal pipeline corrosion monitoring system available, used by trusted oil and gas service companies. We supply it with a full service package, including installation, testing and commissioning.
How the Excalibur Shield works
How it works
A primary filter sits at the mouth of the 100 mL cavity. Inside the cavity is a weight loss coupon, surrounded by a second filter. The unit installs in the pig receiver area. Its octagonal external body makes installation and removal easy, and the base adapter has an O-ring with drain and ventilation valves for secure sealing.
By collecting internal samples for MIC analysis and monitoring coupon weight loss in mils per year (MPY), we produce an accurate, data-driven assessment of the pipeline’s internal condition. Where needed, corrosion can then be mitigated with an optimised, localised chemical treatment programme.
MIC analysis
Precision manufactured from corrosion-resistant 316L stainless steel, the Excalibur Shield collects liquid and solid samples from inside the pipeline. MIC analysis of planktonic and sessile bacteria, duplicate serial dilution, and monitoring of chemical inhibitor residuals make the assessment of the internal corrosion management programme more reliable.
Coupon monitoring
Weight loss coupons give the most accurate reading at low-lying areas, the worst-case locations in a pipeline. A carbon steel coupon is placed inside the pipeline for a set period, and the corrosion rate in MPY is calculated from its starting and ending weight, surface area, density and exposure time. The coupon is easy to remove without mechanical damage.
Features
| Body material | 316L stainless steel |
|---|---|
| Pressure rating | 2,000 PSI |
| Pipeline connections | 1" and 2" |
| Coupon holder | 1 to 3 coupons |
| Ball valve | 1/2" NPT |
| Needle valve | 1/4" NPT |
| Sample cavity | 100 mL |
Case study
Monitoring a worst-case condensate pipeline
The Excalibur Shield monitored MIC and weight loss at the worst-case location of a 20-mile, 10-inch carbon steel condensate pipeline operating at 700 PSI, with less than turbulent flow.
The pipeline was shut down 50% of the time, creating ideal conditions for bacterial growth and induced corrosion. It had been monitored with a retriever-style coupon and lacked corrosion rate monitoring at the most severe locations, solid sampling and water analysis. The Excalibur Shield monitored sessile and planktonic bacteria, liquid samples, chemical residuals and coupon weight loss.
Technology partner
The Excalibur Shield is manufactured by Cathodic Protection Solutions LLC. El-Eman supplies it to oil and gas companies in the region with installation, testing and commissioning.
Visit the Cathodic Protection Solutions website (opens in a new tab)
Technical documents
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