How aggressive is Enbridge at deploying new non-intrusive corrosion monitoring systems?

Our Answer

Richard asked this question on July 2, 2017.

Hi Richard,

Prevention is a key component of our pipeline safety program, and we’re constantly researching available commercial technologies for application on our pipeline network—including corrosion prevention.

It’s worth pointing out, to begin with, that we’ve been moving crude oil from Canada’s oil sands region since 1968. We’ve never experienced an internal corrosion failure on our Mainline pipeline system—and independent scientific studies confirm that product from Canada’s oil sands has no internal corrosivity risk.

That said, we take a number of measures to eliminate any risk of internal corrosion on our network, including:

• Anti-corrosion coatings
• Cathodic protection (application of a low-level electrical current)
• The regular use of in-line inspection tools
• Validating the Russell NDE Bracelet Probe for corrosion under insulation on above-ground piping at our facilities

Technology doesn’t stand still. Nor do we. In 2016, we invested about $18.3 million (USD and CAD) on innovation projects, largely focused on pipeline fitness, leak detection and damage prevention.