A pipe affected by corrosion was found near the site blast in April 2016. Find out how to increase the level of safety for your business!

Federal authorities are investigating the explosion of gas pipeline from Westmoreland (USA), in which was found a pipe affected by corrosion. It is worth mentioning that the pipeline is placed parallel to the one that triggered the explosion.

The report shows signs of corrosion

The 24-inch pipeline “has shown a pattern of external corrosion with characteristics similar to the condition that caused the failure,”. This information is offered by Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

The risk of old protection methods

The explosion started from welding point coated with tape, a method less used nowadays. The investigation shows that the tape was disbanded off the pipe, thus facilitating expansion of corrosion.

Spectra Energy, the company that owns the pipeline, says it will dig up a distance of 263 miles to examine the type of tape used for corrosion protection. The measure is intended to identify other weaknesses.

In addition to the operations of excavation, authorities demanded ahydrostatic test on a 27-mile segment of pipeline affected by corrosion. Such tests are, usually, done before a pipeline is commissioned. How does it work? A portion of the pipe is filled with water, the water pressure is raised and that level is maintaind for a period. Thus, to determine if defects or leaks are possible.

If you have not already done so, you can begin designing a preventive behavior strategy to reduce risks in the industry. Here's an article related to the importance of regular inspections and how to organize it . If you have questions, contact us and we will find the most efficient solution for increasing the durability of your equipment!

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