Analysis of Variance Estimation of Degradation Rate of Coated A36 Steel Pipelines in Environmental Risky Condition

Abstract

Petroleum is a major source of government revenue in Nigeria. The transportation medium of this fundamental source of revenue is through pipelines. The design, installation, and sustainability of these infrastructures have consumed large amounts of dollars from the federation, yet the incessant failure of pipelines continues to showcase, majorly due to degradation. This study aims to estimate degradation effects on coated A36 steel pipelines used for the transportation of oil and gas in highly risky environmental conditions. Samples of A36 steel labelled in sample identity were delivered to the laboratory for tests. The specimens were segmented into coated and uncoated groups. The uncoated specimens, labelled A, were regarded as the control, while the other three sets labelled B, C, and D were coated with different materials. The samples suspended in hydrogen tetraoxosulphate (vi) acid of varying pH values were observed every 144 hours for a total of 720 hours and the rate of degradation at each instant was estimated based on the mass loss principle. Experimental data were analyzed with analysis of variance at a 95% level of confidence using Minitab software. At the end of 720 hours, the degradation rate of the control specimen was 0.706mmpy, while that of the uncontrol was: B 0.055mmpy; C 0.04051mmpy; and D 0.043mmpy. The degradation rate of the samples investigated shows a higher value for the control (uncoated A) relative to the coated B, C, and D. This shows that A36 steel has a high rate of degradation and should be coated, especially when used in a high-risk environment.