Pipeline fails because deteriorated coating, ineffective cathodic protection, and the failure to detect the corrosion because the pipeline was not inspected or tested after 1988

Does your process have any “underground piping”?  We do not see this design in newer process designs, but in years past – putting pipe underground seemed like a good idea.  This NTSB report does an excellent job of breaking down the failure modes of underground piping.  The National Transportation Safety Board determined that the probable cause of the pipeline rupture was: 

1. external corrosion of the pipe wall due to deteriorated coating 
2. ineffective cathodic protection 
3. the failure to detect the corrosion because the pipeline was not inspected or tested after 1988