External corrosion at pipe supports is often driven by a predictable combination of factors: coating wear from friction and micro-movement, persistent moisture films trapped in tight interfaces, and electrical continuity created by metal-to-metal contact between a pipe and its support structure. In offshore and coastal environments—where humidity, salt, and frequent wet–dry cycling are common—these conditions can accelerate corrosion at locations that are hard to access and expensive to monitor. This Offshore “Pipelines” article highlights why effective corrosion control at support points requires solutions that address the interface itself rather than relying only on coatings and periodic inspection. 

The article introduces the RedLineIPS SmartPad System, developed by Cogbill Construction, as a non-metallic FRP pipe support interface designed specifically to combat corrosion under pipe supports (CUPS). The SmartPad’s saddle geometry is described as protecting the pipe’s coating by reducing erosion from friction at the contact region, while the Hydroseal gasket creates a water tight seal that prevents moisture ingress and disrupts conditions conducive to crevice corrosion. The system’s composite components are also presented as a way to reduce galvanic corrosion risk by eliminating metal-to-metal contact, and the SmartBands/buckles plus SmartTool are described as enabling installation without welding or epoxy. 

A key operational theme is maintainability and speed. The article emphasizes quick installation (often cited as about two minutes on average) and rapid removal/reinstallation for visual inspection, which can reduce reliance on expensive inspection methods and improve total cost of ownership. A short case study is included: a South Texas coastal chemical plant initiated a trial in December 2019 and completed the first installation phase in roughly one week—significantly faster than the three to four weeks initially planned based on epoxy-bonded FRP wear pad installation practices.

Key mechanisms covered

• Coating damage from friction and micro-movement at pipe–support contact points 
• Moisture retention / thin-film electrolyte formation beneath supports that sustains external corrosion 
• Crevice corrosion conditions mitigated via a compressed gasket that creates a water tight seal 
• Galvanic corrosion risk associated with metal-to-metal contact at support locations 
• Inspection-driven risk (limited access increases late detection) addressed by rapid remove/reinstall for visual checks