22 Onstream Summary It is not possible to completely eliminate corrosion, it can however be controlled and/or monitored to avoid the more widespread damage created by an unexpected failure. Corrosion is a factor which must be allowed for in almost all industrial processes onshore and is an even more important factor for any offshore application. The damage resulting from corrosion can normally be seen by eye (although sometimes only after failure has occurred). However, more in-depth analyses are normally required to determine the type and cause of corrosion through an understanding of the operational conditions and the service environment. Due to the potentially complex nature and the many different forms of corrosion that can occur, it is important that any investigation into the root cause of a corrosion failure is carried out to forensic standards. Such an investigation should take account of the operating environment, service history, etc. Appropriate, environmental samples and representative samples of the corrosion product itself are essential, as are samples of the failed components. It is very important that any failed areas and/or corroded areas within the samples are adequately protected from any subsequent post failure deterioration. Further, it is important to ensure that such samples have not been altered (e.g. coated) in any way which might affect later analysis results. The condition (and degree of any corrosion) of samples and any suspect components should be accurately recorded at all stages. We will be publishing a number of further articles on corrosion authored by Minton, Treharne and Davies in upcoming issues of Onstream. © 2013 Xchanging