In a state which has a large industrial base and many miles of seashore,
it is important that a corrosion center be available to provide the
research and education necessary to solve practical corrosion problems.
 The
UL Lafayette Corrosion Research Center, established in November 1985,
consists of
a diversified group of engineers and scientists who are available to
provide a multi disciplinary
approach to solving corrosion related problems. Since 1985, the center
has procured nearly 2 million dollars in sponsored Industrial and Federal
research funds. The State Equipment Enhancement Fund has
produced $750,000
for procurement of corrosion related equipment. The center has a variety of corrosion related equipment and computers
which makes it uniquely qualified to perform corrosion research in the
following areas:
- Modeling of corrosion processes
- Evaluation of coatings
- Application of internal cathodic protection
- Galvanic and localized corrosion
studies
- Inhibitors - functionality and laboratory testing
- Studies related to
corrosion scales
- Corrosion properties of high alloy materials in
various environments
- Development of methods of monitoring corrosion
rates in the laboratory and the field
Perhaps the most successful corrosion project undertaken by the center
has been the development of the UL Lafayette Corrosion Prediction Model
for Gas Condensate Wells. This model has produced international exposure
and has fourteen industrial consortium sponsors. Recently, an Oil Well Corrosion
Model was developed, which is being evaluated by the oil industry.
The technical expertise developed by members of the Corrosion Center
has allowed the development of training programs through the UL Lafayette
Petroleum Training Service. This program offers corrosion courses leading
to certification
as an "Oilfield Corrosion Technologist" and an "Oilfield
Corrosion Specialist". |
