Sulphuric Acid leak from corroded pipework - When did you last review your pipeline inspection routines...? Could you route any suspect pipework above ground to prevent this?

1. 20th Dec 2013. Utilities Demin plant – Sulphuric acid Loss
from corroded pipeline.
What Why Lessons
•6.3 cubic metres
of 96% Sulphuric
Acid leaked from
a holed section of
transfer pipework
•The Acidic
liquors entered
the drainage
systems
•Acidic effluent
‘backed up’ into
the welfare and
switchroom areas
within the
basement of The
Utilities building
•All pipework
running under
culverts or
covered gullies
should be
inspected as part
of a planned
schedule of
inspections
•Consideration
must be given to
routing pipework
above ground
•Provision for
easier access to
culvert/gulley
pipework should
implemented
HS&E LESSONS LEARNED GRANGEMOUTH
Contact for info: Investigation Team Leader : Malcolm McGregor Tel:- 0132 49 7496
UK
•External
corrosion
occurred on a
section of
pipework within
a gulley/culvert,
beneath
concrete covers
and steel plating
•This section of
pipework was
not inspected as
part of the
scheduled
inspection
programme
Hole found on
underside of
pipework
Concrete culvert cover