Investigation Of Underground Pipeline Corrosivity As A Function Of Lithology And Pore Fluid In Parts Of Rivers State, Nigeria Using Electrical Resistivity Method

Corrosivity of underground pipeline as a function of lithology and pore fluid in parts of Rivers State, Nigeria was investigated using Wenner array configuration or technique of Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES). A total of six VES were conducted at three locations within Rivers State, the study area and they are Obrikom, Dutch Island and Akpajo each having two VES points. The VES data were collected using ABEM terrameter SAS 300B processed and interpreted using ROCK-WOKS 2017 software and Microsoft excel spread sheet. The apparent resistivity values range from 10Ωm to 200Ωm depicting high corrosivity and indicating that some parts in the study area are likely to be corrosive, increasing the chances of pipeline corrosion (failure) which may result to oil spillage around such areas in the nearest future. Some other parts have negligible apparent resistivity ranging from 200Ωm and above. The Wenner array method used has been proven to be safer, efficient, quick and economical for detecting corrosivity along buried pipelines. The designated corrosivity status of each area were determined by lithology of the area and their resistivity. The knowledge of this study can be applied in the improvement of transmission pipe1ine integrity and reliabi1ity practice, by detecting pipeline damage at ear1y stage as well as oil spillage control and pollutions in areas where underground pipelines are laid.