COURSE LISTINGS
- Fundamentals
- Basic
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Coatings
- Pipeline Integrity Management
- Technology Today
- Internal Corrosion
- Water/Wastewater
- System Diagnostics
- Outdoor Workshops
- What's New
FUNDAMENTALS
An introductory course in the fundamentals of corrosion and pipeline corrosion control, to help persons with little or no experience in the field understand why underground pipeline corrosion control is so important. Topics include basic corrosion, coatings, cathodic protection and potential measurements.
Students are encouraged to take the complete Fundamentals Course and return the following year for the Basic Course. Students should bring a calculator to class.
Prerequisite: None.
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
FUNDAMENTALS OF CORROSION MATHEMATICS AND ELECTRICITY
Fundamental approach to mathematic equations and formulas widely used in the corrosion industry. Topics covered include: common factors, Ohm's Law, electrical circuits, rectifier efficiency, and conversions of temperature and length.
PIPELINE LOCATING
Fundamental introduction to the workings of a pipeline locator and correct pipeline location methods.
FUNDAMENTALS OF CORROSION
Fundamental introduction to the theory behind the corrosion process. Basic corrosion processes and practical applications of corrosion control methods are discussed.
INTRODUCTION TO CATHODIC PROTECTION
Fundamental introduction to the theory of cathodic protection as it relates to underground pipeline corrosion control.
PIPELINE ELECTRICAL ISOLATION METHODS
Fundamental introduction to the theory and practice of electrical isolation methods.
FUNDAMENTAL INTRODUCTION TO PIPELINE COATINGS
Introduction to pipeline coatings and proper application methods used in pipeline corrosion control.
FUNDAMENTALS OF RECTIFIER MONITORING
General overview of the basic components of rectifiers and how they work. DOT requirements regarding rectifier inspections are also introduced.
INTRODUCTION TO PIPE-TO-SOIL POTENTIAL MEASUREMENTS
Thorough overview of equipment and field problems, as well as common mistakes made when taking cathodic protection (potential) measurements.
OUTDOOR CLINIC
Practical hands-on lessons using instruments of the trade.
FUNDAMENTALS VOLUNTARY TEST
For students interested in receiving a certificate of achievement, to acknowledge their completion and passing of the Fundamentals Course.
BASIC
An introductory course in the fundamentals of corrosion and pipeline corrosion control, to help persons with 1 to 2 years of corrosion experience understand the basic fundamentals of electricity, galvanic and stray current, corrosion control methods, and field testing procedures. The course is designed to provide students with a technical foundation on which to build their corrosion expertise.
Two sections of the Basic Course are offered, taught simultaneously in two different classrooms by instructors utilizing a professionally prepared lesson plan. Students are encouraged to take the complete Basic Course and return the following year for the Intermediate Course.
Prerequisite: 1 to 2 years of corrosion experience and/or completion of the Fundamentals Course.
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
BASIC ELECTRICITY
A basic discussion of the types of electricity encountered in corrosion control work
CORROSION FUNDAMENTALS
A discussion and demonstration of how corrosion works, as well as the various forms of galvanic corrosion and how they apply to the corrosion of underground structures.
POTENTIAL MEASUREMENTS
An introduction to the basic components needed to obtain potential measurements, with an emphasis on care and proper procedures. Instrumentation, instrumentation requirements, reference electrodes, potential measurements, potential measurement techniques, polarization effects, criteria for cathodic protection and monitoring of cathodic protection systems are also discussed.
RESISTANCE MEASUREMENTS
Topics covered: measurement of simple, isolated resistances (e.g. resistors, shunts, and bonds); non-isolated resistances (e.g. pip-to-casing, insulated joints, anodes or groundbed-to-earth, and pipeline-to-earth); and soil resistivity.
CURRENT FLOW MEASUREMENTS
Topics covered: measurements required to determine the current flowing on pipelines or piping in industrial applications or on other long metallic structures when an ammeter cannot be inserted into the circuit in the conventional manner; the application of these techniques to pipeline currents surveys and the use of zero-resistance ammeters.
RECORD KEEPING
Topics covered: the importance of record keeping with an emphasis on the general characteristics of records; various types of records and reports and their relative importance to government regulating agencies; and the advantages and uses of computerized records and manual field data records.
BASIC VOLUNTARY TEST
For students interested in receiving a certificate of achievement, to acknowledge their completion and passing of the Basic Course.
INTERMEDIATE
This course presents subjects to advance the training of persons who already have an understanding of corrosion basics, to help them understand fundamental cathodic protection, installation procedures, and techniques, as well as gain knowledge of how to initiate appropriate procedures in construction, operation, and maintenance of corrosion control systems. Practical classes such as criteria for cathodic protection, impressed current interference, and rectifier maintenance are offered.
Two sections of the Intermediate Course are offered, taught simultaneously in two different classrooms by instructors utilizing a professionally prepared lesson plan. Students are encouraged to take the complete Intermediate Course and return the following year for the Advanced Course.
Prerequisite: 3 to 4 years of corrosion experience and/or completion of the Basic Course.
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
CORROSION CELLS IN ACTION
A demonstration of electrical correction reactions using transparent cells in an optical projector.
INSTALLATION OF GALVANIC ANODES
The course will provide an overview of galvanic corrosion and the concept of providing cathodic protection of underground pipelines through the use of galvanic anodes. The course will describe the different types of galvanic anodes that are available, their chemistry, properties, and advantages and disadvantages. We will also discuss typical methods of installing the anodes.
INSTALLATION OF IMPRESSED CURRENT CATHODIC PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Construction practices and typical installations of various types of impressed current anode beds.
CRITERIA FOR CATHODIC PROTECTION
The generally accepted criteria of cathodic protection and their common usage.
CORROSION CONTROL FOR PIPELINES
Various corrosion control measures necessary during the installation of pipelines.
STATIC/STRAY CURRENT INTERFERENCE TESTING
Fundamentals of predicting, identifying and mitigating static stray current interference.
TROUBLESHOOTING CATHODIC PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Techniques used for making electrical measurements to locate problem areas on cathodic protection systems and the use of electrical network constraints.
RECTIFIER MAINTENANCE
Basic parts, function and maintenance of rectifiers.
INTERMEDIATE VOLUNTARY TEST
For students interested in receiving a certificate of achievement to acknowledge their completion and passing of the Intermediate Course.
ADVANCED
This course covers a combination of theory and practical information presented on an engineering or advanced technician level, to help round out the education of experienced personnel with over 4 years of corrosion experience. The course is designed to help students understand, analyze, and develop corrosion control design, installation, and problem-solving techniques.
The Advanced Course is taught by an instructor teaching from a professionally prepared lesson plan.
Prerequisite: For persons with over 4 years of corrosion experience and/or completion of the Intermediate Course.
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
PIPE-TO-SOIL POTENTIAL SURVEYS AND ANALYSIS
Use of pipe-to-soil potential measurements for analyzing underground corrosion and the effectiveness of cathodic protection systems.
MATERIALS FOR CATHODIC PROTECTION
Specialized materials required and various types available for cathodic protection.
DYNAMIC STRAY CURRENT ANALYSIS
The use of voltage and current flow correlations to aid in the analysis of stray current effects: spliced applications to long pipe-type electric cables.
DESIGN OF IMPRESSED CURRENT CATHODIC PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Different types of impressed current cathodic protection systems for underground structures; their design, installation and testing.
DESIGN OF GALVANIC CATHODIC PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Variables affecting design of galvanic cathodic protection systems, methods of tests for sizing anodes and predicting life, and specifications of the galvanic system.
ADVANCED VOLUNTARY TEST
For students interested in receiving a certificate of achievement to acknowledge their completion and passing of the Advanced Course.
COATINGS
This course covers specific information on fundamental coatings, specific coatings, and proper application of various coatings used in the Corrosion industry.
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
FUNDAMENTALS OF PIPELINE COATINGS
An overview of the coatings used for corrosion control in the pipeline/tank industry.
COATING FAILURES CASE HISTORIES
A discussion of coating failures, how they happened, and how to avoid.
FIELD COATINGS WITH SHRINKABLE SLEEVES
An overview of heat shrinkable sleeves used for corrosion protection.
FIELD APPLIED COATINGS-OUTDOOR CLINIC
Hands-on application clinic of various pipeline coatings.
FUSION BONDED COATINGS AND MILL INSPECTION TECHNIQUES
Fusion Bonded Coating Process and Plant/Mill coating inspector duties.
CRITICAL APPLICATIONS STEPS OF TWO PART EPOXIES COURSE
An overview of two part epoxy coatings used for pipeline corrosion control.
COATING SELECTION FOR UNDERGROUND SERVICE
An overview of coating choices and performance for pipeline coating applications.
EVALUATION AND SELECTION OF HDD-DIRECTIONAL DRILL PIPE COATINGS
A discussion of coating application and selection for directional drilling of pipelines.
QUALITY CONTROL INSTRUMENTATION FOR PAINT AND COATING INSTALLATIONS
An overview of common testing instruments used in the coatings industry, coatings inspection, QA/QC and the inspection process.
ABOVE GROUND COATINGS FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE PAINTING
A detailed description of the resins used in above ground coating scenarios.
FIELD APPLIED COATINGS - OUTDOOR CLINIC
Hands-on application clinic of various pipeline coatings. Weather permitting.
PIPELINE INTEGRITY MANAGEMENT
The course is intended to familiarize student with standards and regulations and ECDA standards, methods, and tools, as well as provide practical and useful information on testing techniques associated with Pipeline Integrity Management.
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
PIPELINE INTEGRITY AND STANDARDS
This course includes a brief discussion of pipeline integrity development and how it affects corrosion personnel.
DATA INTEGRATION
This course discusses the combination of data residing in different sources to provide a unified view for use in pipeline integrity assessments.
ECDA INDIRECT INSPECTION TOOLS, CIS
A review of close interval survey practices used in External Corrosion Direct Assessment.
ECDA INDIRECT INSPECTION TOOLS, DCVG-ACVG CURRENT ATTENUATION
An overview of various tools used for evaluation as part of External Corrosion Direct Assessment.
INLINE INSPECTION STANDARDS, METHODS AND TOOLS
Practical guidelines and examples of inline inspection methods and tools.
AC MITIGATION
An overview of the symptoms, effects, and mitigation of induced AC current in pipelines.
ATMOSPHERIC CORROSION INTEGRITY MANAGEMENT
A review of atmospheric corrosion regulatory guidelines, causes of corrosion, and coating selection.
DIFFICULT TO PIG PIPELINES
An overview of regulatory, design, and operational considerations for difficult to pig pipelines.
SCC DIRECT INSPECTION
Guidelines for the performance of Stress Control Cracking Direct Assessment.
CORROSION REGULATIONS DOT/PHMSA PERSPECTIVE
A discussion of current corrosion-related topics from a PHMSA perspective.
ASSESSMENT OF CASING FILLER EFFECTIVENESS
A case history of casing filler effectiveness.
TECHNOLOGY TODAY
For persons interested in special courses designed for various unique situations in the corrosion industry. Topics include in-line inspection methods, AC corrosion, ph testing, and much more.
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
IN-LINE INSPECTION DATA INTERPRETATION
Practical things to consider when running ILI and interpreting ILI data.
DC COUPONS AND AC COUPONS
Purpose and how to use DC and AC coupons.
FOREIGN CONTACTS & PIPE FAULT SURVEYS
Interactive discussion of how to find unwanted foreign contacts and performing fault surveys.
PIPELINE INTEGRITY – LESSONS LEARNED FROM PHMSA CLOSED CASES
Learning from the past.
TODAY’S ILI
What's new with in-line inspection.
AC CORROSION ISSUES
Overview of issues surrounding AC corrosion effects.
LIGHTNING & OVER VOLTAGE PROTECTION FOR PIPELINES
Understanding overvoltage protection due to lightning and AC fault currents.
DECOUPLER APPLICATIONS & MEASUREMENT ISSUES
Important considerations discussed when taking an instant-off reading on a pipeline with decouplers.
CONDUCTING CLOSE INTERVAL POTENTIAL SURVEYS
Discussion of close interval potential surveys, technical aspects, reasons to conduct, types of CIPS, data collection, processing, and analysis.
CORROSION CONTROL AT M & R STATIONS & DELIVERY FACILITIES
A look at corrosion control issues for measuring and regulating facilities.
HOW DRONES WILL AFFECT THE OIL & GAS INDUSTRY
A look at how drones can be used in our industry.
CATHODIC PROTECTION APPLICATIONS FOR ABOVE GROUND STORAGE TANK BOTTOMS
A look at various methods to protect the bottom of above ground storage tanks.
EM COUPONS
Installation, retrieval, and analysis of EM coupons used for internal corrosion.
EVOLUTION OF HYDROSTATIC LEAK DETECTION
A look at a new technology to find leaks during a hydrostatic test.
INTERNAL CORROSION
For updated courses on internal corrosion and new requirements for ICDA methods, or generally in expanding knowledge of specific areas of internal corrosion or internal corrosion control. The program is designed to round out the students overall information which may be utilized in the performance of his/her job.
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
INTRODUCTION TO INTERNAL CORROSION
Overview of corrosion mechanisms, and the mechanisms that mostly influence internal corrosion. Review of the corrosive constituents that may be present in the water/gas mixture.
PIPE INSPECTION
Explanation of visual inspection in the field (i.e., what to look for and what data to collect).
NDT METHODS
Explanation of different non-destructive testing (NDT) methods (UT, Digital X-ray, Guided Wave, etc.). In-depth explanation of guide wave evaluation for internal corrosion screening.
FIELD SAMPLING AND TESTING
Explanation of field gas and water sampling in respect to internal corrosion. Explanations of pH tests, CO2, H2S, alkalinity, and dissolved O2 water tests.
LABORATORY TESTING
Once field results are complete, a review of the laboratory testing procedures and results for water and gas results relating to internal corrosion constituents.
MONITORING TECHNIQUES AND SELECTION
Discussion of where and when to monitor for internal corrosion.
IC FAILURE INVESTIGATIONS
Discussion of internal corrosion failures and the information needed when performing failure investigations.
IC MANAGEMENT DO’S AND DON’TS
Discussion of what information to use when creating an IC program.
CHEMICAL TREATMENT DO’S AND DON’TS
What must be considered when treating for internal corrosion and how to monitor the effectiveness of the chemical treatment.
IMPACTS OF SHALE GAS
A discussion of what is known about the Shale Gas, a non-traditional gas, thus far. The effects shale gas may have in downstream gathering and transmission systems.
IC ROUND TABLE
Questions from the audience relating to internal corrosion for industry experts.
HANDS-ON SAMPLING
Perform the on-site internal corrosion testing that was discussed in the Field Sampling And Testing class. Part of the Outdoor clinic.
WATER/WASTEWATER
The cost of corrosion to the United States water and wastewater industry is estimated to be $58 billion a year. Although system corrosion failures in the past have been considered “part of the water/wastewater business”, today, budgets will not tolerate corrosion repair costs while customers and regulators demand better use of our resources. The aging infrastructure is also contributing to the billions of dollars spent each year related to corrosion. This course addresses the cause of corrosion and the control of corrosion in the water and waste water industries. It is intended for maintenance, engineering and management personnel. Course topics include basic corrosion science, corrosion control, corrosion mechanisms, field corrosion and integrity testing, methods of mitigation, including painting, and corrosion issues related to specific piping materials (steel, copper and ductile iron) used in the water and waste water industries.
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
WATER LOSS PREVENTION THROUGH AN EFFECTIVE CORROSION CONTROL PROGRAM
Damage and the loss of water due to corrosion has become recognized as a major cost associated with the maintenance in the water and wastewater industries. This talk will cover basic corrosion theory; causes of corrosion and corrosion control measures.
CORROSION AND ITS CONTROL, POLYETHYLENE, ENCASEMENT (V-BIO), FOR DUCTILE IRON PIPE
One method commonly used to prevent corrosion on ductile iron pipes is to wrap the pipe in V-Bio – a polyethylene wrap infused with an anti-microbial and volatile corrosion inhibitor. This talk discusses various installation methods for installing V-Bio on pipes, valves, and other appurtenances. Research data and case studies are provided to support the effectiveness of V-Bio application.
LININGS AND COATINGS FOR DUCTILE IRON PIPE
Linings and coatings are a fundamental form of corrosion controls in pipes. This presentation discusses how ductile iron pipe is manufactured along with common linings and coatings. Linings discussed include cement mortar, ceramic epoxy, and porcelain enamel. Exterior coatings discussed include thin-film primers (e.g., epoxies, alkyds, zincs) and bonded coatings (e.g., liquid epoxy, extruded polyethylene, fusion bonded epoxy).
MITIGATING CORROSION ON SPIRALWELDED STEEL PIPE
This presentation discusses several topics including the manufacturing process for steel pipe and common corrosion control methods for steel pipe. This includes cement mortar linings, polyurethane coatings, and heat shrink sleeves. A short introduction to cathodic protection and corrosion monitoring is also discussed.
CONCRETE PIPE AND CORROSION CONTROL TECHNIQUES
Corrosion is not exclusive to ductile, steel, and cast iron pipe. Wires in concrete pressure pipe are susceptible to corrosion. This presentation discusses the history of concrete pressure pipe, failure modes, and common prevention methods. These methods include coatings, backfill, bonded joints, and cathodic protection.
CORROSION CONTROL INSTALLATION PROCEDURES FOR WATER & SEWER PIPELINE INFRASTRUCTURE (PART 1)- SELECTION AND DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Part 1 of this presentation discusses a corrosion control decision process, designed by a water utility, which includes examining existing conditions, soil testing, stray current testing, and additional considerations. This presentation further talks about typical corrosion control methods used by the utility based on current conditions and basic design concepts for cathodic protection.
CORROSION CONTROL INSTALLATION PROCEDURES FOR WATER & SEWER PIPELINE INFRASTRUCTURE (PART 2)- INSTALLATION AND TESTING
Part 2 of this presentation dives further into these corrosion control methods, including installation and testing of galvanic and impressed current cathodic protection systems. This includes testing rectifiers and test stations, performing CIS surveys, and common issues encountered with these systems.
DEVELOPING CORROSION CONTROL PROGRAM FOR A WATER UTILITY
This presentation discusses the development and implementation of a corrosion control program from a utility’s perspective. This includes the history of the program, resources used to develop the program, the development of a corrosion control design manual, asset management goals and plans, and issues encountered during development.
STRAY CURRENT AND DUCTILE IRON PIPELINES
One mechanism for corrosion is stray current. Stray current is corrosion resulting from direct current flow through paths other than the intended circuit. This presentation discusses the installation of ductile iron pipe, common stray current sources, stray current mechanisms, case studies, and methods to mitigate stray current.
INSTALLING CATHODIC PROTECTION IN WATER STORAGE TANKS
Cathodic protection systems are not exclusive to pipelines. This presentation discusses the installation of impressed current cathodic protection in water towers, components in the CP system, types of anodes and anode configurations, reference electrodes, and conditions to consider when designing and installing the CP system.
LININGS, WET WELLS, AND MANHOLES - THIS IS HOW WE ROLL (AND SPRAY)
Coatings and Linings are a common method of corrosion control. This presentation discusses surface preparation required for linings and coatings, common types of linings and coatings (epoxies, zinc, urethanes, etc.), their properties (chemical resistance, VOC content, curing times, recoat window, etc.), and their application to varying materials and applications (concrete pipe, steel pipe, basins, manholes, clarifiers, etc.)
CORROSION CONTROL TRAINING GACP AND ICCP SYSTEMS
This presentation includes a comprehensive overview of corrosion methods (bi-metallic, DC interference, AC induced corrosion, MIC, stray current, etc.), soil testing and corrosivity analysis, and using cathodic protection systems to mitigate corrosion. A comparison of galvanic anode cathodic protection and impressed current cathodic protection is provided. Standard design and testing procedures for each system are also discussed.
DESIGN OF CP SYSTEMS FOR WATER SYSTEMS
This presentation further dives into the design of cathodic protection systems and discusses factors that may influence the design such as material types, bonding requirements, isolation requirements, coating quality, current requirements, the surrounding environment, the geometry of the pipeline, and whether the CP system is being installed on existing or newly installed pipe.
CLOSE INTERVAL SURVEYS
Close interval surveys are a common method used to assess the effectiveness of cathodic protection systems. This presentation covers the fundamentals of close interval surveys and several examples of previous surveys and the corresponding data evaluation to assess the CP system.
SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS
The System Diagnostic courses provide indoor clinics and overviews of new corrosion processes. Courses include trouble shooting rectifiers, overviews of ACVG and DCVG techniques, corrosion protection for Managers, and much more.
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
TROUBLESHOOTING CATHODIC PROTECTION RECTIFIERS
A practical approach to safely identify and correct common rectifier malfunctions. Student participation is strongly encouraged.
CORROSION AND FAILURE ANALYSIS ELECTRIC TOWER AND GRIDS
Corrosion is not limited to buried pipelines. This class offers an overview of the aging electric infrastructure and the application of corrosion field testing methods.
UNDERSTANDING THE REFERENCE CELL
Regardless of selected protection criteria, CP measurements depend on accurate and reliable reference electrodes. This discussion covers construction, maintenance, reliability, and accuracy of various reference electrodes.
CP TEST STATIONS – THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE UGLY
The utilization of potential and current flow measurements to identify CP test leads and associated buried structures.
ELECTRICAL ISOLATION DEVICES
The design of a CP system requires isolation and protection of manageable lengths of pipe. This class discusses the various types and expected performance of pipeline isolation devices.
TROUBLESHOOTING DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
A discussion on the intricacies and challenges of a gas distribution system. The instructor will present various field testing techniques for locating and remediating failed CP systems.
CASED PIPE ASSESSMENT PHMSA UPDATES
A PHMSA representative will discuss recent policy updates regarding carrier pipe in casings.
GUIDED WAVE TECHNOLOGY FOR SHORTED CASINGS
A discussion on advances in guided wave analysis technology. Case studies included.
PRACTICAL APPROACH TO USE AND STORAGE OF EQUIPMENT AND MATERIAL
Understanding and applying corrosion theory to buried steel structures is part of the pipeline integrity equation. This class deals with selection, proper usage and storage of the wide variety of available cathodic protection products and materials, which are also an important component in pipleline integrity design.
ADVANCED RECTIFIER WORKSHOP
This is a limited (25 students) hands-on workshop with strong emphasis on safety. Students will work with live rectifiers and instructed on systematic/logical approaches to diagnostic repair on a variety of rectifier components. Students must bring a handheld volt-meter to class. Early sign-up is strongly encouraged.
OUTDOOR WORKSHOPS
The workshop session will expose the technician to practical applications in underground corrosion control methods. Minimal time will be spent on theory. Topics covered during the session will stress the importance of cathodic protection, coatings and electrical isolation for corrosion control.
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS (Weather Permitting)
PIPE AND CABLE LOCATING BURIED STRUCTURES
An outdoor, "hands-on" explanation and demonstration using various pipe and buried metallic structure locators. Students will be insructed on locating techniques and have the opportunity to locate a buried pipeline.
IMPRESSED CURRENT SYSTEM HANDS-ON WORKSHOP
An outdoor, "hands-on" explanation and demonstration of basic Impressed Current CP Systems to include: rectifier theory, rectifier field measurement and associated test equipment, close interval survey, interference, and polarization.
ECDA INDIRECT INSPECTION FIELD SIMULATION ACVG-CIS-DCVG CURRENT ATTENUATION
An outdoor, "hands-on" explanation and demonstration of the field data collection methods required for integrity assessment using ECDA. Topic include: identifying an indication using ACVG-CIS-DCVG current attenuation, prioritizing indications, and direct examination of the buried structure.
INSTRUMENTATION AND MEASUREMENT FOR CATHODIC PROTECTION SYSTEMS
An outdoor, "hands-on" explanation and demonstration of the CP field data collection methods to include: soil resistivity, calibration of IR drop, pipe and cable locating, pipe inspection and repair, internal corrosion, and integrity assessment methods. Students will have the opportunity to examine various instruments during field simulation.
WHAT'S NEW
Exhibitor presentations of technology. This is an opportunity to present or view the latest products and services available for control of corrosion including improvements and updates on previously presented technology.
Prerequisite: None.