Insulation
At Allter Africa, we understand the critical importance of safeguarding valuable assets. Our insulation solutions address the complex challenge of corrosion under insulation (CUI) in steel structures. CUI occurs when four factors converge: water, oxygen, corrosive chemicals, and a suitable temperature. By providing effective insulation systems, including our immersion-grade coatings, we shield carbon steel pipes from water, air, and corrosive substances. Our commitment to defense against CUI extends to maintenance practices and the use of suitable insulation materials like Aerogel.
Allter Africa's Insulation Solutions
Discover Allter Africa’s insulation solutions for corrosion under insulation (CUI) of steel. Get in touch and learn about our coating systems that protect carbon steel pipes from water, air, and corrosive chemicals. Explore our products, insulation system maintenance, and suitable insulation materials such as Aerogel.
For CUI of steel to occur, four factors need to be present. Factors like water; oxygen; corrosive chemicals; and a suitable temperature. Since only a small percentage of pipes actually operate in this range. CUI likely occurs when a pipe that operates at an above-ambient surface temperature is shut down for service. Which eventually happens to all pipes at some point. As water vapor does not lead to corrosion, liquid water must be present for CUI to occur. That will be the case at temperatures between 50°C to 140°C.
Corrosion will not occur on a 315°C pipe, at least not while it is operating at that temperature. It will occur when the pipe is shut down; during the shutdown process; or with it is cooled.
If a pipe operates continuously at a temperature where water is likely to be present much of the time. The probability of CUI occurring is much greater. For a carbon steel pipe with a process temperature between 37°C and 100°C. Water that leaks into the insulation system will eventually find its way to the interface between the pipe and insulation.
Invariably, there will be chlorides or other corrosion chemicals in the environment dissolved in the water leaking onto the pipe. Consequently, for a low operating temperature, with an insulation system that leaks and an uncoated pipe. The conditions for CUI are close to ideal. Our immersion grade coating systems can protect carbon steel pipe from water, air, and corrosive chemicals.
With those three elements, as well as time and a certain temperature range, corrosion will occur. The first line of defence against CUI is up to our insulation solutions and products. The second line of defence is insulation system maintenance. The third line of defence is a suitable insulation material such as Aerogel.