Author: Mayuly Rodríguez, November 7, 2023
Introduction
In a world where the durability and resistance of materials are transcendental for the global economy, safety and, currently, for environmental sustainability, combating corrosion is important. This challenge represents a balance between science and art for researchers and professionals in the field. It is in this scenario where the AMPP distinguishes itself, demonstrating a technical approach and a commitment to excellence, globally standardizing the industry with standards for effective asset protection.
What is the AMPP?
The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) is a leading global organization dedicated to developing standards for better corrosion management. Its members are the largest world community of professionals on this topic.
The foundations of this association are driven by research, studies and experiences that have made it the global epicenter in the creation, dissemination and application of standards and knowledge on materials protection. Likewise, it maintains an innovative approach towards a safer and more sustainable world.
It consists of two structures: AMPP , which provides services to its members in the areas of certification, accreditation, membership, promotion and public affairs, and AMPP Global Center , focuses on standards, technical and research activities, conferences, events, training , publications, among others. They have a membership of more than 40,000 professionals and organizations in more than 130 countries.
The origin of the AMPP
In 2020 they announced a merger agreement, but it was not until 2021 that this association emerged through the merger of the two organizations that had historically defined the norms and standards on corrosion prevention and protective coatings: NACE (National Association of Corrosion Engineers) and SSPC (The Society for Protective Coatings).
Both organizations, with decades of experience and invaluable legacies, decided to join forces to create a more dynamic entity that would provide benefits and better service to the global industry, addressing in a unified and innovative way the growing challenges of corrosion and facing what it brings. the future.
The merger of these two organizations into the AMPP not only unified two communities of professionals, but generated greater trust and consolidated a wide range of resources, regulations and best practices in a single association, allowing for more effective collaboration and the development of advances. technological in the prevention of corrosion and the protection of materials, for the benefit of industrial sectors.
What are the functions of the AMPP?
As a leading authority in materials protection and corrosion control solutions, its functions are varied and have a profound impact on multiple industrial sectors, but its main focus or objective is to develop and provide the accredited regulations and standards that are used by the different industries where corrosion is an ongoing concern.
Below are the main responsibilities that the AMPP has and services that it offers:
Research and development: Its members and interested parties promote research into new technologies and methods to combat corrosion, participating and supporting projects that seek innovative and more effective solutions to preserve materials and infrastructure. The AMPP provides knowledge and resources to ensure that high-performance materials are used during their developments.
Establishment of regulations and standards: It is dedicated to the creation and maintenance of norms, standards and best practices that are of international use. These are critical and rigorous, mostly based on experiences, case and studies, to promote the protection of industrial assets and contribute to operational efficiency, cost reduction, public safety and environmental sustainability.
Training and Certification: Provides advanced educational programs and training opportunities for professionals, including courses, workshops, seminars and webinars ranging from basic knowledge to specialized techniques in coatings management and corrosion control.
Conferences and events: Organize multiple events worldwide such as conferences, exhibitions and technical meetings, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and networking between professionals, academics and companies. These address the latest developments and technological innovations related to corrosion management and control.
Major global events include: AMPP Annual Conference + Expo, IMCORRS , LatinCORR and InterCorr, AMPP East Asia and Pacific Area Conference (EAPA), Middle East Corrosion Conference and Exhibition (MECOR), ChinaCORR, AFRICORR , EUROCORR.
Dissemination and publications: The association shares scientific knowledge and advances in the field, with the aim of keeping its members and the community in general informed about the latest trends and discoveries.
Collaboration and Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with government organizations, educational institutions, and private entities to advance the science of materials protection and corrosion engineering. They offer academic scholarships to students and allow them to attend conferences and workshops, training courses with future possibilities, and contribute to the creation of standards.
Environmental responsibility and sustainability: Promotes practices that not only protect material assets, but also consider the environmental impact of each action, supporting methods that align the integrity of infrastructure with environmental sustainability.
Benefits of AMPP-sponsored events and chapters
There are a variety of benefits that these events provide, among the most notable are the following:
- Share specialized knowledge.
- Present technological developments and innovations.
- Publicize updates and new regulations, standards or best practices, regional and international.
- Access to advanced training workshops and seminars.
- Professional and business networking opportunity.
- Acquisition of skills at the student, professional and business level.
- They address specific studies of corrosion in environments according to geographical locations.
- Present research and case studies.
- Facilitates discussions on challenges and timely solutions between industrial sectors.
- Awards and recognitions for excellence and innovation presented at events.
- They encourage international collaboration between various industrial sectors.
- Participating companies present their new technologies and comprehensive solutions.
- Opportunities for publication and dissemination of research works in AMPP magazines and specialized media.
- Scholarships and funding are awarded for promising research and student projects.
These are just some of the benefits that come with participating in any event attended by the global AMPP community. Each one complements and applies the opportunities of professionals and companies.
Why your interest in personnel training and company accreditation?
The field of materials protection and corrosion management is dynamic and increasingly innovative. New threats, materials, methodologies and protection technologies are constantly deployed. Training led by trainers with proven track records and commitment to the sector ensures that professionals and companies are updated, guaranteeing the integrity and security of infrastructures and systems.
Through workshops, seminars, courses and specialized programs, certification and accreditation are provided, maintaining updated training and adherence to the latest technologies, where the necessary skills are implemented to perform superior functions in the field of materials protection and corrosion management. .
Your commitment to the progress of the industry
The AMPP is a pioneer in promoting innovation, strengthening investment in research and development of new technologies and methodologies that allow more efficient corrosion control; Recognizing that prevention is more profitable than repair, in this context, this association is dedicated to finding proactive, efficient and innovative solutions for the industry, giving it better progress towards a safer, more protected and sustainable world.
Did you know that corrosion has a day to remember it?
Every April 24, with the commemoration of World Corrosion Awareness Day, the AMPP reminds the world that “rust never sleeps” 1 . Since 2010, each year the critical importance of corrosion prevention and control in the protection of industrial assets has been highlighted. The initiative seeks to educate and raise awareness among professionals, industries and the general public about the need for sustainable practices that generate significant cost savings annually worldwide.
This commemoration highlights not only the economic impact, but also the public safety and environmental sustainability benefits that result from effective corrosion management. The date symbolizes a global call to action to reduce the economic and social costs linked to corrosion, and to recognize the contribution of professionals in this essential field.
Sectorization of AMPP standards
These standards promote and elevate the industry by establishing levels, procedures, and driving consistency and improvements. They help resolve the need for standardization with respect to material selection, surface preparation, application and inspection of coatings, design and use of cathodic protection systems, and continuous monitoring. The main standardized sectors 2 are mentioned below:
- Selection and design of materials.
- Protective coatings.
- Monitoring and control of corrosion.
- Cathodic protection.
- Oil and gas (pipelines, refineries, production).
- Tanks and pipes.
- Chemicals and inhibitors.
- Department of defense and army.
- Maritime.
- Mining.
- Roads and bridges.
- Energy and public services.
- Railway.
- Research and testing.
- Water and wastewater.
- Standards in development.
Conclusions
The AMPP is more than an association; is the primary guidance for everyone working in the field of materials protection. Through its commitment to research, education, collaboration and events, it ensures that infrastructure and systems not only endure, but are sustainable in an ever-evolving industrial environment. Having a single voice in the industry that unifies criteria is essential for organizations to be efficient, profitable and safe.
AMPP brings together subject matter experts from a wide variety of industries, with assured professional backgrounds, who are responsible for discussing new and emerging topics focused on materials protection and performance. Using best practices, case studies and lessons learned, this partnership sheds light on the challenges different industries face in the corrosive environment.