RENEWABLE ENERGY
announcing new installations and governments making commitments – this progress brings the need for preventative maintenance and protection.
MOVING FURTHER OFFSHORE Te wind sector is moving further offshore, not just because the power of the wind increases further out to sea, but because space is becoming an issue closer to shore. Tis poses a challenge to asset owners; offshore installations present hostile environments, with rain, humidity, wind and salt spray all a factor. Tese elements can all cause degradation, added to the fact that space for maintenance is limited in both access and footprint. Delays in applications for protective coatings can mean additional cleaning of the surface may be required. A common approach here is blasting, which can produce hazardous byproducts and takes time. Other factors to consider are that wind
structures have multiple geometries; with welds, corners, edges and flanges. Many corrosion solutions can require multiple applications, taking considerable time and increased labour costs. Inspection of assets is also a high-cost activity due to the deployment of maritime vessels and dependency on weather windows and availability. In this case corrosion can often go unnoticed until it is too late and integrity to the structure at risk. So, taking these challenges into consideration, what are the options to protect these all too vital assets for our future? Enter preventative coatings.
A PRIME EXAMPLE
Easy-Qote is a polymeric coating borne of the idea that a corrosion solution could be applied simply as a sticker rather than by painting or spraying. Te product is completely safe for both user and the environment and simple to apply. Surface preparation is simply conducted with a wire brush and an isopropanol wipe, eliminating any risks associated with traditional blasting. Any void or exposed groove on an
offshore structure is a vulnerable spot for crevice corrosion that may affect the integrity of the structure. Transition pieces are a prime example, being close to the sea and with high chloride content accumulation, they are prone to accelerated corrosion and integrity. Applying self- adhesive, corrosion preventative Easy-Qote
Catlink transverter station protected by Oxifree TM198
SC patches over the groove, sealing it off from the environment, prevents corrosion formation from the start. Te visco elastic behaviour of the solution means it can withstand the expansion and contraction of the steel without cracking or loss of adhesion.
ANOTHER SMART SOLUTION Oxifree TM198 is a thermoplastic coating offering encapsulation without adhesion, with lubrication and active corrosion-inhibiting properties integral to the coating. Just like EasyQote, TM198 requires minimal surface preparation; use of a wire brush to get rid of any loose particles and a simple degrease with cloth if required. Te asset is then ready for protection.
It provides versatile corrosion
protection for assets, including those with moving parts, yet easily allows for repair or maintenance. Take, for instance, a working Catlink (as pictured above) hydraulic fitting or actuator – they would all be able to move within the coating and maintain normal operational use, whilst being actively lubricated and existing corrosion arrested. Oxifree is easy to apply and humidity and cold do not affect application. Protection can be provided without a shutdown, keeping industry moving. Ease of inspection is delivered via NDT – or simply remove in part, inspect and refill. Tese two products offer simple and
effective solutions to protect this fast growing sector. Tey also offer longevity with both products withstanding many years of application in these challenging environments. And this longevity supports the issues around inspection, meaning that asset owners can reduce inspection frequency without risking asset integrity.
Tis changing, renewable resources world is one we should protect, not only to extend asset lifetime but also to protect our children’s future.
A close-up shot of an Easy-Qote corrosion-preventative patch
Laura Hall is with Seal For Life Industries.
www.sealforlife.com
www.engineerlive.com 39
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