Doug Sinitiere, Carboline, USA and Holly Tyler, Specialty Polymer Coatings Inc., USA, discuss the impact of bio and renewable fuels on pipeline infrastructure. Much of our energy infrastructure is undergoing significant material storage and transportation changes. This includes differences in feedstocks, compositions, feedstock percentages, materials injected for transport, and in some cases, the method of delivery. While this makes sense for many investors and energy companies that create and build this infrastructure, it also means there is an impact, in some cases a significant one, for those who consider the effects this may have on corrosion, metallurgy, and the safe transport and storage of these goods. In some cases, this is nothing new - there have always been, and continues to be, changes in the types of hydrocarbons and gases that are processed, stored, transported, and ultimately taken to consumer end use. However, the changes in the feedstocks in use make us look more closely at corrosion, metallurgy, and the like. The industry, in general, has given more focus to addressing corrosion challenges before they occur. There are new and innovative technologies, which, if fully adopted, will further help support these critical assets.
展开▼
