If it ain't broke, don't fix it

Abstract

For some years there have been documented incidents in Europe of rapid pipe wall perforation caused by a-c corrosion. Major wall penetration and holes have now been reported from France, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, and Germany. The problem has now, for the first time, manifested itself in the UK. There is no need for panic, but there are some measurements that can be made to establish whether or not there is a risk of pipeline corrosion from ac. This article will, hopefully, provide guidance to pipeline operators and planners who wish to quantify the risks of a-c corrosion.