Geoelectrical Investigation of Underground Pipeline Corrosivenessas a Function of Porosity in Parts of Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Underground pipeline corrosiveness as a function of porosity was investigated in parts of Bayelsa State using geoelectrical method. Vertical electrical sounding using Wenner electrode configuration was carried out on eight locations with the aid of Abem terrameter SAS100B. Data acquired were interpreted using IPI2Win software 2020 version. The results of this study showed that apparent resistivity values range from 109.93 – 261.56Ωm for Elebele (L1), 143.51 – 259.68Ωm for Imiringi (L2), 77.54 – 189.84Ωm for Otuasega (L3), 52.25 – 446.82Ωm for Otuoke (L4), 221.75 – 831.60Ωm for Emeyal (L5), 52.83 – 275.19Ωm for Oruma (L6), 148.96 – 952.99Ωm for Otuokpoti (L7) and from 132.32 – 579.33Ωm for Olaibiri (L8) and there is a general decrease in the values of resistance as depth increases for each of the vertical electrical sounding (VES) locations. Due to low resistivity value resulting from high porosity recorded at Otuasega (L3), Imiringi (L2) and Elebele (L1), underground pipelines in these locations are prone to high corrosiveness, whereas underground pipelines located within Otuokpoti (L7), Emeyal (L5) and Olaibiri (L8), will most likely not be affected by corrosion or experience failure or leakage due to high resistivity value resulting from low porosity.