Application of Wet Gas-Internal Corrosion Direct Assessment (WG-ICDA) Methodology to Eight (8) Gas Pipelines in Kuwait – A Case Study

This paper presents the successes and learnings from the application of Wet Gas - Internal Corrosion Direct Assessment (NACE International SP0110-2018, WG-ICDA used at the time of these investigations) methodology to eight (8) different piggable and non-piggable gas pipelines operated by Kuwait Oil Corporation. These lines were characterized by paucity of critical operational data particularly with respect to temperature, pressure, gas moisture content and oxygen contamination. This paper discusses the strategies adopted to overcome the limitations in operational data as well as the inherent complexities associated with extrapolating the broad assumptions and presumptions across extensive operational timelines. Further, this paper outlines the challenges encountered in general in using the ICDA approach as an integrity validation tool for pipelines with sparse data, based on the experience of having performed all 4 steps of the WG-ICDA methodology on the eight (8) subject pipelines. Strategies for mitigating these challenges are proposed in this study while also making a strong case for using ICDA as an integrity validation tool for both non-piggable and piggable pipelines, to identify the root-cause of internal corrosion, and to provide recommendations for monitoring and mitigation options.