Predict and Pinpoint Threats to Piping

Where CUI Decays the Surface of the Pipe

Due to the variables present, progression time from moisture entering the insulation to the point of failure varies. Therefore, the rate at which external corrosion thins pipe wall in an ammonia refrigeration system is not calculable. The ambient temperature along with the amount of moisture (and its rate of expansion) are not controlled.

These variables also make it impossible to determine distribution of corrosion around the circumference of the pipe. Oftentimes, moisture collects (or pools) and rests on a concentrated area of the pipe. Fully soaked insulation leads to corrosion that forms evenly around the pipe, especially on vertical runs.

These conditions typically occur in thermal cycling areas like from the DC tee to suction lines, any other lines that are or will be above freezing such as HGD lines, and equipment that is run periodically.

It is common to assume suction lines are not susceptible due to their ‘constant’ below freezing state. However, it only takes a few days for these lines to be above freezing for the ice to thaw and introduce moisture that begins to corrode the pipe. Further, when these lines refreeze, they swell and the corrosion and cracking is more destructive.

• For example, pipe wall loss was as high as 63% on low temperature suction lines, and 68% of systems exhibited pipe wall loss in excess of 25% up to 73% on suction lines.
• Overall, 28% of systems were reported to have areas with pipe wall loss in excess of 50%.
• The highest recorded loss, not including leaks that occurred as a result of complete metal integrity failure as a result of corrosion, topped out at 80% wall loss (or
  20% remaining wall thickness).

Areas of Susceptibility

While you are likely employing practices to prevent and manage degradation, with regular inspections you will be able to predict prime CUI breeding locations and detect where corrosion is or may soon be present in the system.

Predicting Threats to Your Piping

1. Insulation conditions such as damaged or missing components of the vapor retarder can vary. Any damage can allow moisture through the vapor retarder, and once it is past the vapor retarder it is there to stay – look for:

• Jacketing separations
• Holes in insulation
• Hail damage
• Split seams
• Crushing from physical damage
• Weld strikes or other electrical damage that penetrate jacketing

2. In addition to damage being a reliable catalyst for CUI, the areas where piping is most vulnerable are:

• The intersection of a pipe segment and major pieces of equipment
• Before and after pipe direction changes (i.e. elbows, tees, reducers, etc.)
• Wall and roof penetrations
• Insulation terminations (i.e. valve groups, end caps. etc.)

3. The location of a component or structure can pose a problem for ensuring the integrity of the piping. Regularly inspect:

• Piping near condensers or a cooling tower area. This equipment can produce chemical and mineral rich mists that are especially damaging to pipe jacketing and bare piping. This mist can leave a mineral type of deposit on surfaces and is prone to corrosion on metal unless cleaned and coated regularly. This is especially detrimental for piping that is not properly protected, like in areas where piping penetrates the walkways, or when the design does not allow for enough room to properly inspect or maintain coatings.
• Gravitational pull is a hotspot for consideration, specifically related to pump outs and roof penetrations. Pump outs are commonly installed in the bottom of piping for proper function. However, this positions the piping precisely in the area that collects water after compromise. Gravity pulls water to the lowest area – beneath the piping or low areas of the roof.
• Any area where piping penetrates a boundary such as a roof or wall is difficult to inspect or maintain. Additionally, the piping is oftentimes uninsulated, leaving the bare piping directly exposed to potential moisture. In many systems these areas are unprotected as they pass through the boundary. Integrity depends entirely on a secure adhesive or sealant, such as caulk, to provide weatherproofing.
• Congested roof drains. Drains that are not regularly cleared can trap moisture and promote the growth of trees and other organics.

4. Improper design, poor installation or maintenance, and use of the wrong materials can be equally devastating to piping and other components of ammonia systems. Look for:

• Weak or missing gutters that are not properly channeling rain runoff away from the piping.
• Poor or unmaintained caulking at insulation caps.
• Screws in jacketing.
• Design configurations that collect or hold water such as insulated hand valves or other vertical oriented features. Although it may look good aesthetically, it could be destructive.
• Be aware how jacketing seam overlaps could allow water to collect. Seams placed on top of the piping, while quite common, it invites water into the system.
• Brackets covered by jacketing. While it looks nice, it is another area where water will be invited into the system. Over time, the thermal cycling will cause enormous stress on the jacketing which does not expand but will separate at seams to accommodate.
• Insulated to bare piping transitions at valve groups. This puts stress on the unprotected bare piping as well as the sealing. If not well maintained, paint or coating will flake, and visible rust and corrosion will soon follow.
• Fiberglass and elastomeric foam insulation, commonly used for residential air conditioning and plumbing, are prone to waterlogging and should not be used. Further, elastomeric foam insulation is commonly glued to the surface of the pipe with no outer protection from the elements – a warning sign that damage is imminent.
• Improper pipe supports are hotspots for corrosion and mechanical wear on piping. Thermal piping expansion/ contraction in ammonia refrigeration can create wear points on piping if not properly protected from the support itself. The threat is magnified if the bracket design does not allow for proper maintenance and coating of piping.

Pinpointing Threats to Your Piping

Unfortunately, corrosion under insulation does not always present itself visually; it is common for CUI to hide hints of its existence. Implementing Non-Destructive Testing to evaluate common areas of failure will help you locate the ‘invisible’ locations where wet insulation and corrosion exists.

Conversely, often times because the corrosion has advanced the system will show fail-proof indications, or warnings, that the piping is compromised.

Visible cues reveal that moisture is trapped in insulation or corrosion has materialized on insulated piping. Look for:

1. Moisture dripping or ice forming around the pipe. This is a sign that the insulation saturation has exceeded containment within the jacketing. Ice build-up on insulation typically occurs when water has compromised the vapor retarder resulting in ice being present from the surface of the pipe, all the way through the saturated insulation to outside the insulation jacketing.
2. Biological indicators such as algae, moss or plants growing on the insulation.
3. Rust stains on the floor of engine rooms. Often times, this is found near valve groups where the defrosting process produces excessive water exposure.
4. Rust stains on the insulation jacketing. Rust staining or rust colored water from within the jacketing occurs as a result of degradation of piping or components contained inside the jacketing and insulation.
5. Sagging areas on a long run of pipe.
6. Painted corrosion. If the surface is not well cleaned of all rust before coating, paint will incubate the active corrosion and exacerbate the issue.

Building a Framework for Corrosion Intervention

Due to unavoidable variable, there is no reliable formula that derives how much corrosion can occur or how quickly it will advance. Quantitative data reveals that piping exhibiting any of the aforementioned characteristics should be regularly monitored because the formation of CUI and thinning of pipe wall is imminent if not corrected.

Daily system walkdowns and annual Mechanical Integrity inspections should document these suspect areas. Further investigation, maintenance, or replacement of suspect or compromised piping in the system should be prioritized based on the level of severity. On the grounds that all CUI does show visual indicators, further testing
should occur at common areas of failure.

Classifying Severity

At the top of the action list for resolution should be piping where leaks or fumes are present. Ammonia fumes are usually due to poor packing on the stems of solenoid valves that are actuated; tightening the packing nuts should resolve these leaks.

Where corrosion is present, remaining pipe wall must be measured to make an accurate assessment of priority. Corrosion on bare piping and CUI take on multiple forms and vary in how aggressive the corrosion advances.

Generally, blister rust is the most concerning. If your piping shows layers of peeling rust (or ‘blistering’) the corrosion is advanced, and the remaining wall thickness is likely not suitable for operation. The general rule of thumb for companies that exercise a conservative approach is to replace piping that exceeds 50% wall loss.

Pitting corrosion is the most common form of corrosion found in refrigeration systems. Pitting is usually a slow process causing isolated, scattered pits over an area. Contrary to blister rust, pitting and swelling rust both look severe, though oftentimes the piping can remain in service. Where piping has suffered wall loss in the range of 30-50%, the pipe needs to be cleaned of all corrosion and coated to protect from future effects of moisture.

Areas of wet insulation on piping with zero or lower wall loss (up to 30%) should be monitored for advancing corrosion. When replaced, insulation installation should  include a vapor retarder applied directly to the pipe surface for assurance of an intact barrier to protect against subsequent infiltration.

Damaged and split jacketing, failed caulking, sealing points, and improperly oriented seams should be addressed promptly. Be sure to replace any wet insulation and clean piping in these areas so improved joints and sealants do not successfully trap existing moisture in the jacketing.

Lastly, other vulnerable areas of your system due to proximity or design should be resolved if possible and inspected regularly to prevent degradation.

GGS will help you verify the mechanical integrity of your piping.

GGS Non-Destructive Testing services confirms fitness for service on your piping and vessels and locates and measures wet insulation and pipe and vessel wall thickness throughout your system.