Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Identifying and Treating CUI
If you’ve read our previous piece on Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) (CUI What You Need to Know), you’ll know that CUI is a pervasive issue for those in the process industry. Corrosion is linked to roughly 60% of pipe leaks in refineries and plant piping, and can adversely impact your productivity and the safety of those on site. Learn how to detect CUI before it damages your piping with our tips below.
What Causes CUI?
The continuous presence of moisture on the external surface of insulated equipment leaves your pipes vulnerable to corrosion. This can occur whether your equipment is in or out of service, or in cyclic rotation.
How to Spot Corrosion
One of the biggest challenges when it comes to spotting CUI is the lack of ready visibility. Because corrosion is typically hidden beneath a pipe’s insulation, it can often go undetected until the insulation is removed, or a leak occurs. As a result, the best way to prevent CUI is to maintain a regular inspection schedule for your equipment.
Assessing Your Pipes
As we mentioned above, regular inspection is your best option for mitigating the risk of CUI. While visual examination may work in some cases, it is not an affordable option for long-term maintenance. Non-destructive testing using tools like the Russell Bracelet Probe allows you to safely detect corrosion with ease, giving you a chance to repair your pipes, tanks and vessels before significant damage occurs.
To learn more about preventing the buildup of CUI, contact our team today.