An interface is best described as a point of contact between two objects, systems, or phases. In most industrial complex, piping systems and their interfaces are numerous and vary in types, including pipe to support, soil to air, pipe to wall, pipe to water, and hot to cold temperature gradients. Each type of interface requires special consideration, as its condition and accessibility may generate damage to the pipe, accelerate corrosion, or erode coating thickness over time. Designing protection of the interfaces where the pipe meets the pipe support or where the pipe enters the soil is a challenge and creates areas that require special attention and regular inspections. This paper focuses on properly inspecting the performance of the coatings on pipe to support interfaces and soil to air interfaces, and what can be done to adequately plan for corrosion prevention and protect ambient temperature piping at natural gas compressor stations and petroleum tank farms.
Protection of Interfaces in Natural Gas Compressor Stations and Petroleum Tank Farms
Chrissy Stewart, PCS, KTA-Tator, Inc.
Chrissy is a senior chemist with KTA-Tator, Inc. Employed with KTA since 2006, she is heavily involved in coating failure investigation and comparative coating testing services. Stewart has achieved SSPC Protective Coating Specialist (PCS) certification, is a voting member of ASTM and a past president of the Pittsburgh Society for Coatings Technology (PSCT) where she currently serves on the Board of Directors.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Mercyhurst University. Stewart has authored a chapter for ASM International ASM Handbook Volume 5B: Protective Organic Coatings, has had several articles published in JPCL and was featured in JPCL’s 2015 annual bonus edition, “Coatings Professionals: The Next Generation.”
