Fitness test for corrosion protection coatings

The internal coatings of oil production facilities have to withstand multiple stresses: aggressive chemical substances, high temperatures and pressures, as well as sand and stone particles abrading the walls of tanks and pipelines. Over time, this causes the applied linings to degrade, thus facilitating corrosion of underlying steel structures. This is why the coatings of tanks, separators, and pipelines must be renewed on a regular basis. However, how long the material “holds” depends on the individual levels of stress it is exposed to. A single coating is not necessarily equally well-suited to every application. But until now, there is a lack of systematic analysis of the materials available on the market. Such a comparative analysis would allow plant operators to assess a material’s suitability for different types of stress.

Further information: cordis.europa.eu