Technical Paper


www.ireng.org


Over 500 Flanges Protected with New Encapsulating Technology


Peelable and resealable system tackles severe weathering and galvanic corrosion at gas supplier site.


Over the years, the repair and maintenance industry has employed many different techniques to combat the problem of flange corrosion. Conventional paints, mechanical covers and clamps, polymer tapes, hot-melt thermoplastics, polymer bags with VCIs all offer solutions to protect flanges from corrosion, but they are not without their drawbacks. These techniques can be costly and complicated to install, and can also fail to provide the level of corrosion resistance required to successfully protect flanges and pipework within harsh environments.


Application of first coat of Belzona 3411


Indeed, due to the cost and time implications of deploying a specialist application team to reinstall a spray protection system on hundreds of flanges at a gas supplier in Oman, the owner sought an alternative solution that would bypass these expenses, as well as the lengthy downtime that would be incurred.


Corrosion-resistant system overcomes drawbacks of conventional methods


Flanges damaged by corrosion


As Belzona 3411 (Encapsulating Membrane) facilitates a quick and simple installation and inspection method- which can be completed with minimal manpower by the company’s own maintenance staff- the gas supplier decided to commission this system for the protection over 500 flanges on the site.


Following representatives,


an inspection this flexible


by Belzona and peelable


coating was chosen as it will completely encapsulate the several hundred flanges no matter the size or shape, protecting them from moisture as well as crevice,


galvanic


and atmospheric corrosion. When used in conjunction with the corrosion inhibitor Belzona 8411,


system will successfully fortify the flanges with long-term corrosion protection.


In terms of inspection, this solvent free coating can be easily cut and peeled back to allow access to fastenings and on completion of the maintenance work, it can simply be reinstated with


the application of a further layer of material.


Fast and simple application technique 1) Firstly,


the Belzona 9111 surfaces were surfaces were cleaned (Cleaner the brush and cold applied


with Degreaser) and the thoroughly abraded with


abrasive paper to remove any gloss. Once surface preparation was completed, the bond area was degreased again with Belzona 9111.


2) To seal the gap between the flange faces, a strip of Belzona 9431 (Instant Bridging Tape) was used. Masking tape was applied over the two bond areas to protect these sections of pipe from accidental overspray of Belzona 8411.


3) Belzona 8411 was then applied onto the flange, pipe and fastenings ensuring the film coverage was even and complete. Once the


Surface prepared, Belzona 8411 applied and bolt caps installed 16


ENGINEER THE REFRACTORIES May 2016 Issue


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36