§ Mr. DoranTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what research his Department has undertaken into the problem of corrosion under insulation, in offshore installations on the United Kingdom continental shelf; what specific instructions or guidance he has given to operators on this matter; and what assessment he has made of the loss of production as a result of corrosion under insulation.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonMy safety directorate has appointed an independent consultant to carry out a survey to determine the procedures and systems in use for monitoring and controlling corrosion and erosion of pipework and plant, including corrosion under insulation, on offshore installations. The aim in sponsoring this work is to issue, if necessary, improved guidance to the industry.
My Department is also sponsoring the development of a system to detect corrosion of process pipework without removing the insulation cladding. A company has demonstrated the feasibility of the concept and is now proceeding with prototype manufacture prior to experimental evaluation.
My Department is not aware of any loss of production due to corrosion under insulation on offshore installations.