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U.S. Department of Energy
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Prevention of hydrogen damage of offshore titanium alloy components by cathodic protection systems

Conference ·
OSTI ID:512005
;  [1];  [2]
  1. CorrOcean as, Trondheim (Norway)
  2. RMI Titanium Co., Niles, OH (United States)
Hydrogen absorption and resultant long-term embrittlement can be a potential problem for titanium alloy offshore components which contact adjoining steel structures that are cathodically protected in seawater. Calculated potential profiles for typical uncoated titanium alloy deep-water production and drilling risers and subsea flowlines reveal that impressed CP potentials will be cathodic (negative) to the assumed safe limit of {minus}800 mV vs Ag/AgCl along the entire titanium component length. Two practical strategies for preventing hydrogen damage were identified as: (1) electrical isolation of titanium alloys at terminal connections, and (2) application of robust, seawater-resistant polymeric OD surface coatings. Drilling risers may or may not require OD coatings depending on service requirements, whereas subsea titanium alloy tube-bundle umbilical lines are not susceptible to hydrogen damage if short end sections are coated.
OSTI ID:
512005
Report Number(s):
CONF-970332--
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English