OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE
SECTION TITLE
which allow movement of the pipe within the support, but they also invite corrosion. T ese pipes can be carrying a variety of substances; water, gas, oil, chemicals, petrol, saltwater – anything that travels through a pipe. T e environment is typically
aggressive from a corrosion standpoint, with exposure to water, chemicals, salt, humidity and abrasion often present. Due to the shape and contours of the pipe support, these corrosion accelerants are easily trapped between the pipe and the support, allowing corrosion to develop. Since they are so diffi cult to visually inspect it is often too late to identify when the crevice corrosion has begun. Many common solutions used to eliminate this problem can actually aggravate the situation as they still allow for the accelerants to sit against the live pipework. Liners and rubber pads, fi breglass pads to name a few have all failed, as they do not eliminate the water and corrosion continues. Many solutions that are available in the
marketplace require a shutdown to install the solution and even then only when they
A pipe support is usually made of steel
are replacing pipework, such as the use of half round plastic rods which minimise the contact point of metal to metal. In a best-case scenario these solutions are fi tted at the outset of pipe installation. Even during a shutdown, if the operator is not intending to replace the pipework, they are reluctant to remove u-bolts/hangers/clamps, and lift the pipe to install these, as they do not want to risk the possibility of damage to the pipework.
THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION Oxifree has developed an innovative coating encapsulation, TM198. T is thermoplastic coating is organic and provides a protection solution that halts, mitigates and eliminates (further) corrosion to pipe supports and other complex structure interfaces. T e coating is melted down from a solid
resin (in the supply unit) and applied using a heated hose and gun to fi t the contours of any complex component. A key feature of the TM198 encapsulation system is the non-adherence to the substrate, along with self-lubricating properties, which allows any pipework that needs to move within
Pipe support
and supports that could result in a risk of damage and or product release, resulting in safety issues.
50-60% of all pipe corrosion leaks
are caused by contact point corrosion as found with corrosion under pipe supports (CUPS).
WHAT IS A PIPE SUPPORT? A pipe support is usually made out of steel, providing a framework of a certain distance from the ground to support and distribute the weight of suspended pipes. T ey typically comprise of structural steel such as I-beam, angle and channel section. T ese pipes are normally secured to the member using u-bolts. Also found in such facilities are either half or full saddle clamps, and welded supports/guides
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