Perhaps here is the solution to the well-known corrosion issues with instrumentation!

In the offshore oil and gas industry, we often experience, like Parker, that corrosion most frequently occurs on pipes due to the relatively low thickness of the material. Therefore, many choose a higher alloy for pipes alone. Fittings, because of their somewhat higher material thickness, are generally more resistant to corrosion, but what does it look like when it comes to double ferrule fittings, which are frequently used in instrumentation installations? 

Corrosion can also occur in non-visible places. In situations where double ferrule fittings, for example, are mounted on pipes in harsh environments, the ferrule in question is very exposed and not visible unless the installation is disassembled. The risk in such a situation is that the joint fails due to corrosion, leading to leakage, and in some cases, it may occur that the pipe is ejected from the connection due to pressure. This situation can be avoided by reassessing the classification of critical components in an instrumentation installation. Crevice and pitting corrosion, also known as localized corrosion, is also a known problem in harsh environments and often causes leaks or breakdowns of the installation.

In a harsh environment with vibrations, such as those found offshore, cracks and fissures can occur, which are often signs of stress corrosion. This form of corrosion will result in fatal errors in the installation within a very short time. Overall, a higher thickness of the component does not matter in harsh environments when stress corrosion is present, as the higher thickness cannot prevent cracks and fissures from spreading.

Safe and cost-effective operation can be achieved with the correct choice of materials in combination with the right design to avoid unnecessary stress. Therefore, our specialists are cautious when advising on resistant instrumentation components for harsh environments, as they are familiar with the challenges of mixing materials in instrumentation installations, but at the same time, they also have the solution to this problem.