NACE SP0176

Abstract

<strong>Foreword</strong> <br>Offshore structures represent large capital investments. Structures are being placed in offshore areas worldwide and are being designed to withstand forces resulting from hurricanes, arctic storms, tidal currents, earthquakes, and ice floes. Moreover, platform structures are currently being placed in deeper waters and, therefore, have become larger, more complex, and more expensive. Control of corrosion on structures is necessary for the economic development of oil and gas production, to provide safe support for working and living areas, and to avoid potential harm to the environment. For the purposes of this standard, offshore structures are considered to be stationary structures (platforms or subsea facilities) that are fixed to the sea floor by gravity, pilings, or mooring cables. <br>This NACE standard is intended for use by corrosion control personnel concerned with the corrosion of steel fixed offshore platforms associated with petroleum production. It outlines materials, practices, and methods for control of corrosion for steel fixed structures associated with petroleum production located in offshore areas. The purpose is to facilitate more effective corrosion protection of structures by the presentation of reliable information. Corrosion on offshore structures can be divided into three major areas: the submerged zone, the splash zone, and the atmospheric zone. The submerged zone also includes that portion of the structure below the mudline. This standard does not include procedures for the control of internal corrosion of wells, piping, and associated equipment that may be in use on the structure, but does include external protection of these items in the atmospheric zone on the structure.