Experts consider pipelines still the safest, most reliable means of transporting resources such as oil and gas over long distances from their sources to the ultimate consumers. Use of pipelines to transport liquid or gas, can reduce the number of tankers plying on the roads. This, in turn, will reduce congestion, accidents and the cost of road maintenance.

The general public does not know of the number of pipelines that are continually in service as a primary means of transportation. A buried operating pipeline cannot be seen and rarely makes its presence known except at valves, pumping or compressor stations, or terminals.

However, safe as it may be, the threat of ruptures and failures still weigh heavily on the minds of those who maintain and build these networks. There are no minor problems when it comes to the pipeline.

Even a slight breakage can result in huge, costly repairs and damages to the surrounding environment, and the culprit is almost always corrosion. Moreover, in a country like India, with its high density of population, it makes it all the more difficult to lay and maintain pipelines. So, when we install pipelines, we have to ensure that the coatings are done properly, i.e. mainly maintenance free types of coatings.

ASME International had held a conference recently in Mumbai where this matter of pipeline integrity was discussed in detail. In this issue, we explore a few of the newer concepts that are emerging in the field of corrosion mitigation in oil and gas pipelines.

The current series of our Educational Feature is nearing completion. I am sure you would have enjoyed going through the lessons and learning about the various aspects of coatings and corrosion mitigation.

The monsoons are on in full swing and I am sure you will enjoy reading the current issue of our magazine.