Pipeline corrosion occurs in multiple forms, each with distinct mechanisms, risk profiles, and detection requirements.

Pipeline corrosion occurs in multiple forms, each with distinct mechanisms, risk profiles, and detection requirements. Understanding corrosion types is fundamental to effective pipeline integrity management.

Main types of pipeline corrosion:
• Uniform Corrosion — even wall thinning caused by general environmental exposure.
• Pitting Corrosion — localized deep metal loss creating through-wall penetration risk.
• Galvanic Corrosion — electrochemical attack at dissimilar metal junctions.
• Crevice Corrosion — accelerated corrosion in confined, stagnant fluid zones.
• Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) — cracking under combined tensile stress and corrosion.
• Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) — hidden corrosion beneath thermal insulation.
• Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) — corrosion accelerated by bacterial activity.
• Erosion-Corrosion — material loss from combined fluid flow and corrosion.

EMPIT’s CMI technology detects multiple corrosion types from the surface — and uniquely classifies corrosion as active or passivated. This distinction allows operators to prioritize truly critical defects, reducing unnecessary excavation and optimizing maintenance budgets.