08/11/2026
Our long‑term NDT data continues to surface facts that challenge common assumptions about refrigeration piping. Here’s what the evidence tells us ➡️
Pipe Wall Loss (Thinning) from Corrosion:
1. Wall loss is most frequently found in thermal‑cycling zones—areas that move above and below freezing. This includes the DC tee, suction lines, HGD lines, and any piping or equipment that operates intermittently.
2. Low‑temp suction lines are not exempt. Their “always frozen” reputation is misleading. Thaw events, however brief, introduce moisture. Refreeze events trap it, expand it, and accelerate cracking and corrosion.
3. Systems with periodic operation or variable load conditions show higher rates of localized thinning, especially in sections where frost, condensate, or temperature swings repeatedly occur.
The data is clear 💎Corrosion doesn’t discriminate by line type. If a pipe sees temperature change, moisture exposure, or intermittent operation, it’s at risk. Understanding these patterns is the first step toward preventing failures—and the reason ongoing testing matters.
