The History of π

Abstract

ABSTRACTNACE RP1076, Corrosion Control of Steel, Fixed Offshore Platforms Associated with Petroleum Production, described recommended practices for corrosion control on fixed offshore platforms used to produce oil and gas. The document was originally written in 1976 and has been revised and updated three times. This paper presents the history of the document for the formation of the original task group through the various updates and up to the status of the current revision. INTRODUCTIONQuoting from the foreword to the document, which has remained almost completely unchanged over the years: Offshore structures represent large capital investments. Structures are being placed in offshore areas worldwide and are being designed to withstand forces resulting from hurricanes, arctic storms, tidal currents, earthquakes, and ice floes. Moreover, platforms structures are currently being placed in deeper waters and, therefore, have become larger, more complex, and more expensive. Control of corrosion on structures is necessary for the economic development of oil and gas production, to provide safe support for working and living areas, and to avoid potential harm to the environment. For the purposes of this standard, offshore structures are considered to be stationary structures (platforms or subsea facilities) that are fixed to the sea floor by gravity, piling, and/or mooring cables. RP0176 was written, approved and published in 1976 to provide guidance for the control of corrosion of these structures. Since that time, it has been cited by regulatory authorities in a number of areas around the world. Its application has also been expanded outside the stated scope of the document to provide guidance for the control of corrosion for floating oil production structures, marine docks and loading facilities and even subsea pipelines. This paper presents the history of the document from inception to the revision that is currently in draft form. BACKGROUNDThe first platforms in the Gulf of Mexico were installed in 1948 and 1949. In the 1950?s and 60?s, the industry became very active and many platforms were installed. These platforms were mostly in 40 to 60 feet of water and were 20 to 40 miles from shore. The technology to design long life systems were available, but the operators were not interested in making the large investments required for long life facilities. Cathodic protection for most of the platforms were provided by using 100 pound magnesium anodes that were hung from platform members by their copper cable. These anodes usually lasted about a year and crews were constantly replacing expended anodes. In 1962, a huge Gulf of Mexico lease sale was held and leases in 150 to 300 feet of water were obtained. These deeper waters made the use of magnesium anodes impractical. Some operators used zinc anodes while others used the aluminum-mercury anodes that were introduced in 1966. In 1976, the aluminum-indium anodes became available at the same time that RP0176 was being prepared. FIRST EDITION - 1976In early 1976, a committee was formed to prepare a recommended practice for the control of corrosion on offshore platforms. The committee was formed as Task Group T-1-1 under Group Committee T-1. The task group chair was Harry R. Hanson with vice chairs Gordon L. Doremus and John A. Burgbacher. Other committee members were: TABLE OF COMMITTEE MEMBERSThe task group was composed of representatives from oil companies, pipeline companies, consulting firms, coating manufacturers and applicators, and material suppliers. The task group met for the first time in February 1976 in Houston at Exxon Production Research. The first meetin