Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI)
Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) is a hidden form of corrosion that occurs when moisture becomes trapped beneath the insulation of steel piping, vessels, or equipment. Because it is not visible, CUI often remains undetected until significant damage has already occurred.
Where does CUI occur?
CUI is a major concern in industries where insulated equipment is exposed to fluctuating temperatures, including:
- Oil & Gas – insulated pipelines, heat exchangers, and process equipment.
- Petrochemical & Chemical – reactors and vessels exposed to heating and cooling cycles.
- Offshore & Marine – insulated piping and tanks in humid, salt-rich environments.
- Power Generation – steam lines, turbines, and boilers.
For you as an asset owner, CUI can lead to unexpected leaks, reduced asset life, and costly downtime if not detected at an early stage.
Extra explanation and challenges
- Cause: Moisture ingress through damaged insulation or cladding.
- Risks: Accelerated corrosion due to trapped moisture and limited visibility.
- Detection: Difficult, as inspections often require insulation removal.
Traditional open blasting methods used during CUI remediation introduce additional challenges such as dust generation, waste contamination, and extensive scaffolding requirements.
Pinovo’s solution
- PiPoint™ – enables targeted spot blasting directly on CUI-affected areas.
- PiHab™ – flexible containment solution for rope access work or confined spaces.
- Dust-free operation – reduces health, safety, and environmental risks during exposure and cleaning of affected steel surfaces.
Contact Us
Do you want to address CUI safely and without major downtime?
Request a demo or training and discover how Pinovo helps you manage CUI challenges.