Effective CUI mitigation in LNG applications

A new whitepaper from ROCKWOOL Technical Insulation highlights recent third-party testing that affirms the CUI-mitigation abilities of CR-Tech® corrosion-resistant technology at various operating temperatures and very high water volume.   

Insulation around pipes and other equipment is critical to maintaining process efficiency and safeguarding workers at LNG plants. However, insulation can be challenging, specifically corrosion under insulation (CUI) can cause further complexities, resulting in silent but significant problems at many LNG plants. 

CUI occurs when water infiltrates the insulation, exposing metal surfaces to moisture. It’s difficult to detect and can have severe consequences, including leaks and unplanned downtime that damage productivity and put workers and the environment at risk.  

The cyclic nature of LNG plants only exacerbates the CUI risk. But there is a solution. 

This whitepaper delves into our latest innovation: CR-Tech® corrosion-resistant technology. Embedded into ROCKWOOL ProRox® PS965 stone wool insulating pipe sections, the CR-Tech inhibitor activates upon contact with water, forming a protective, thin film on the steel surface and helps shield the pipe from corrosive fluids. 

CR-Tech technology has been recognised for its substantial potential to mitigate CUI. Materials Performance Magazine presented it with the prestigious MP Corrosion Innovation of the Year award, choosing ProRox PS965 with CR-Tech as one of a select few winners for its ability to deliver:  

• Superior water repellency and long-lasting corrosion inhibition.  
• Proven performance and risk mitigation.  
• Increased uptime and improved plant performance.  

The award is a testament to the significant third-party testing undertaken to prove CR-Tech's performance. You can now dive into the most recent of this testing in our white paper, “Mineral wool with durable corrosion inhibitor for effective CUI mitigation in LNG applications”. Authored by Technical Services Manager, Ricky Seto P.Eng., the whitepaper discusses testing ProRox PS965 with CR-Tech according to: 

ASTM C1617 standard corrosion testing to assess its durability at various operating temperatures.   ASTM G189 standard testing to document corrosion mitigation performance when exposed to a water volume equal to 15 times the annual rainfall in Houston, Texas, USA, at a 1% infiltration rate.