Abstract

FSM is a non-intrusive monitoring technique based on a patented principle. The technique has been in industrial use since 1991, and the first subsea FSM systems have been in operation since 1994.

FSM offers important advantages to the user:

* Continuous corrosion monitoring as an efficient tool for optimized use of corrosion inhibitors. This may imply important commercial and environmental benefits.

* Due to the high sensitivity of FSM, increased corrosion rates will be detected at an early stage and allow corrective actions before corrosion damage occur. This will contribute to an increased service life of the pipeline and minimize the possibility for leaks or accidents. The use of FSM will make carbon steel protected by inhibitors a more attractive solution for subsea pipelines and flowlines

* FSM is the only technology available for internal corrosion monitoring of underground pipelines that can not be pigged.

* FSM can if used together with intelligent pigs, justify a considerably reduced frequency of pig inspection surveys and accordingly contribute to important savings.

The paper gives a brief description of the FSM technology, outlines typical applications of the FSM and presents field experience from landbased and subsea installations. Cost-benefits for the use of FSM is also briefly discussed.