Regional Soil Resistivity for Corrosion Risk Assessment in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

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Regional Soil Resistivity for Corrosion Risk Assessment in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

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Abstract

Abstract Oil Spills from Pipeline failures have resulted in widespread and costly environmental degradation. The reduction in pipeline thickness and ultimate failure are generally ascribed to corrosion from soils of high aggressivity, which are prevalent in the Niger delta. This paper presents aggregated data from 529 Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) using a maximum current electrode separation of 30m, to generate a regional resistivity distribution to aid prediction of soil aggressivity and corrosion potential within the depths of pipeline engineering interest (1-10m). The apparent resistivity values were acquired using ABEM SAS 1000 with a mix of Schlumbeger and Wenner electrode configurations. The apparent resistivity values averaged over depths of 3m and 10m were plotted against the co ordinates using Surfer-16 and overlaid on Google earth Pro to produce a spatial distribution with enhanced location visibility. The results show that corrosivity generally increases from the Coastal plain sand in the north of the delta to the Mangrove swamps in the coastal areas. The most severe corrosive sub-environments are at low elevations in poorly drained soils in the Mangrove swamps. The variation in the spatial distribution of the subsurface resistivity is attributed to a combination of influencing factors such as elevation above mean sea level, depth to water level, soil and groundwater quality, soil type and physical property. Results of this study provide guidance as to what ground resistivity to expect in different part of the delta as well as provide valuable information to assess the risks to assets either as a means of prioritizing maintenance or of improving design for new installations in the Niger Delta region. This paper therefore fulfills an identi?ed need to investigate the aggressivity and corrosivity of soils in the Niger Delta area with a view to providing adequate protection to underground transportation pipelines and other metallic assets in contact with or buried in the ground.


Publication Info:

Author: Abam, T.K.S. , Iduma, R.E.O. , Udota, B.S. and Obasi, C.F. 3

Volume: 57

Issue: September

Published By: Journal of Mining and Geology, 2024-09-01

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