Corrosion: The cause for the oil spill in Santa Barbara!

After the analysis, the authorities have identified the potential cause for the oil spill in Santa Barbara. The exterior surface of the oil pipelines was affected by corrosion. Thus, the inability to identify early signs of corrosion led to this event.

Preliminary studies showed external corrosion on the surface of Line 901, which led to leakage of large amounts of oil along the coast.

The leak occurred after an unplanned closure of a pump, while a technician removed an engine and disconnect the pump from the station Sisquoc, Line 903.

When the pump Line 903 was stopped, the pressure increased in Line 901. The line gave way to an operating pressure of 750 psig or 56% of maximum operating pressure.

Norske Veritas, one of the experts who participated in the analysis, said: "The leak occurred at an area of external corrosion that ultimately failed in ductile overload under the imposed operating pressure." Also, corrosion control system have been adapted to the environment.

The amount of oil leaked was somewhere to 2.9600 barrels, and the company managed to recover 997 barrels. Reports will continue to be released in the near future to know the exact causes.

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Source: http://petroglobalnews.com/2016/02/dot-pipe-corrosion-root-cause-of-2015-santa-barbara-spill/