Innovative approach to protect offshore structures and components, especially focused to the harsh exposed areas.
Silica-based adapted formulations can provide an environmentally friendly solution as they are no presence of toxic and leachable substances. Anticorrosive properties as well as a reliable reduction of the biofouling growth associated to an easy cleaning of the surface where has been applied are the key factors of the new coating technology developed.
Corrosion in a heat exchanger and the Mechanism of growing fouling (Reference: Chambers et al.,2006)
Substances with biofuling activity can be integrated in the coating, trying to let them just in the surface, but without leachable mechanisms in order to maintain the environmentally friendly concept.
Initial development
nanoZnO
nanoCu
V2O5
Tube inside coated samples placed in seawater immersion in Plentzia Bay
Ceramic coated samples placed in offshore open sea conditions
a) Complete valve with high anticorrosion ceramic coating b) Nodular iron casting (gearbox part) coated before machining c) Coated valve part with high chemical resistance for desalation Sour Service
External coated tube tested in controlled seawater conditions without biolfuling activity
Roughness value of ceramic coating sample
Compared with current solutions based on paints, ceramic solution may have several advantages:
Steam condensation in coastal Power Plants
Natural Gas cooling in off-shore, subsea
Wind offshore:
Nacelle hub & machinery (gear boxes, main frames, etc.)
Structural parts:
Towers, Sheet Piles, Jackets, Foundation, Cast iron parts
Desalation sour service