Corrosion Under Insulation

Pipes are the silent workhorses of the process industries—hidden in plain sight yet essential for daily operations. But what happens when these unassuming assets begin to fail? A recent catastrophic water main rupture in Calgary serves as a stark reminder that even the most robust infrastructure is vulnerable, especially when degradation hides under insulation.

The challenge of inspecting and maintaining piping is immense. Facilities house millions of miles of pipe, much of it exposed to harsh climates, inaccessible locations, and made from materials with complex corrosion profiles. Layer on insulation, coatings, and the logistics of maintaining uptime, and it’s clear that conventional inspection methods are no longer sufficient.

This episode explores the wide range of failure modes—flaws, fractures, erosion, rust, and more—that threaten pipe integrity. The implications are serious: lost product, compromised safety, and even plant collapse. Fortunately, new technologies—robotics, advanced sensing, and improved diagnostics—are emerging to meet the challenge head-on.

Tune in to hear why the process industry must rethink its approach to managing the hidden menace of corrosion under insulation, and how digital innovation offers a path forward.

Additional Tools & Resources

💡 Go backstage and check out my studio:

🔗  https://geoffreycann.com/mystudio/

📚 Take my one-day digital strategy training course for oil and gas:

🔗 https://www.udemy.com/course/digital-oil-and-gas/?referralCode=0161D4D49AB75735A185

Connect with Me

✍️ Blog: https://digitaloilgas.substack.com/

🎙️ Podcast: https://geoffreycann.com/broadcast/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/advocate-digital-innovation-for-energy/

🐦 X: https://x.com/geoffreycann

Contact for Lectures and Keynotes

🎤 I speak regularly on these and other topics. Book a brief call to discuss your upcoming event needs.

Disclaimer

The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice.

Read the Article

Want the actual script that this podcast is based on? Download it here