A Fuzzy Logic method: Predicting pipeline external corrosion rate

Highlights: • A method to estimate buried pipeline external corrosion rate is pro-posed. • The method combines a fuzzy logic expert system with in-situ inspection data. • The fuzzy logic expert system evaluates soil corrosiviy based on six soil parameters. • This method provides a reduction in inspection costs and improves service and safety. - Abstract: Oil and gas pipelines are among the largest and most important infrastructures of the modern world. Although rare, pipeline breakdown or leakage exposes public and the environment to safety and health hazards. In this paper, a methodology to predict the external corrosion rate based on the combination of the measurement of six soil parameters and a reduced amount of inspection corrosion rate data is presented. The method provides a relatively user-friendly procedure that can be of use by the industry to focus the efforts towards optimizing the security and the continuity of the service. Furthermore, it reduces inspection costs, as a lesser number of in-situ inspections are required compared to the traditional inspection methods.