CUI Mitigation Through the use of Non Metallic Cladding

Corrosion under insulation (CUI) refers to the external corrosion of piping and vessels that occurs underneath externally clad/jacked insulation as as a result of the penetration of water.  Most facility managers, engineers, and maintenance and construction personnel now know that corrosion under insulation (CUI) exists and, left to  its own devices, can cause serious problems and even have catastropic consequences as corrosion rates are not uniform and are therefore difficult to monitor.

It is also widely known that the results of CUI are costly.  Most studies on the topic involve all forms of corrosion and their associated costs without  providing the individul cost of corrosion related to insulation.  A study completed in 2001 by a research team of corrosion specialists in the USA reported the direct cost of corrosion under insulation to be $276 billion per year, with that number potentially doubling when indirect costs are also considered.

The mechanism of corrosion under insulation would involve three requirements:

1  Availability of oxygen

2  High Temperature

3 Concentration of dissolved species

Removal of one or more of the above would slow down or prevent entirely corrosion under insulation.  The use of a non metallic jacketing material in the form of a seamless UV cured GRP laminate suitable for both thermal and cryogenic lines has proven to be effective in the prevention of CUI with the technical merits of the system being presented.

Members and non-members are welcome to attend the technical meetings where free snacks and drinks are provided.

Enquiries to Beverley van Niekerk 011 802 5145.