Challenges
- MIC corrosion
Benefits
- Completed within timeframe and budget
- ICR supplied all bespoke equipment and personnel
Scope
Our customer identified corrosion-related issues aboard its North Sea platform. Found in a P-D flowline, the customer believed this was caused by microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) but unfortunately had no method to monitor sessile populations to confirm their theory.
The client, a multinational energy company, requested ICR to design two units – one injecting biocide and the other allowing process fluid to flow through it without biocide – in addition to a chemical injection pump. The goal of this project was to test whether there was a high corrosion rate in the unit without biocide, thereby proving MIC issues.
Collaborating with one of the world’s leading specialty chemical companies, ICR quickly mobilised to the site to assess the risk of MIC and biocide efficiency through sidestreams trials.
Solution
Our Corrosion Management Team conducted a comprehensive biocide trial, including a pre-survey visit to the client’s North Sea platform. The trial was carried out in two phases to ensure comparative data. ICR provided a full trial solution, supplying all necessary equipment and personnel to execute the project.
The full scope of the project included:
- Supply and installation of a dual sidestream unit.
- Provision of a chemical injection unit (CIU) with associated ancillaries.
- Deployment of data logging units for monitoring.
The bespoke sidestream unit was designed and built with the following specifications and pressure-tested in-house to 99 bar, with all components rated to 3,000 psi:
- Flowmeters to ensure matching flow rates in both the non-biocide and biocide sections.
- Double Block and Bleed (DBB) assembly on either side, plus a non-return check valve.
- Ports for periodic sessile MIC analysis, flush disc corrosion coupon installation, a high-sensitivity probe with data logger.
The CIU included:
- Two Williams Milton Roy “V” Series Chemical Metering Pumps.
- Suction, air, and discharge manifolds made of 316SS, with isolation valves, filters, regulators, and relief valves.
- Equipment certification and testing to ensure reliability.
Result
ICR successfully executed the sidestream biocide trial, demonstrating that the corrosion rate was lower in the sidestream unit with biocide injection compared to the unit without.
Our comprehensive approach assessed the integrity and reliability of the P-D flowline and mitigated potential risks associated with MIC.
The project was completed within the required timeframe and budget, showcasing ICR’s capability to design and deliver bespoke equipment.
For more information on ICR’s corrosion monitoring services, click here.
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