Solutions for Splash Zones
Splash zones are areas which come into contact with the water flow from sea or lakes. They are usually near tidal flow points covering the high tide and low tide areas.
What we can do
Belzona offers long-term repair and protection for splash zones areas, including:
- Protective coatings: structures can be protected against exposure to corrosive atmospheric elements with the use of a surface-tolerant barrier coating, Belzona 5831 (ST-Barrier)
- Rebuilding thin- and through-wall defects: with the use of composite wraps or plate bonding, utilising Belzona 1000 series paste grade systems.
- Redressing sheath damage and separation/disbondment: using cold-curing elastomeric polymers, Belzona 2111 (D&A Hi-Build Elastomer) and Belzona 2311 (SR Elastomer)
- Repairing corrosion damage with high-build metallic polymers from Belzona 1000 series.
What makes us different?
Ease of use and Safety
Belzona solutions for splash zone areas are cold-applied, thus eliminating the need for hot work. Our materials are designed to the most stringent Belzona standards and are easy to apply with hand tools.
Our surface-tolerant materials have been specifically formulated for in-situ applications to wet, oily and underwater structures.
Durability
Belzona applications have been proven to stand the test of time. We hold testimonies from many companies, organisations and authorities, evidencing that our solutions are not only efficient, but also safe and kind to the environment.
Cost-effectiveness
Compared to the option of replacing a damaged riser, a Belzona solution can be performed quickly and for a fraction of the cost. Significant savings can be achieved both in time and money, avoiding production losses. Belzona solutions are also durable, thus unnecessary maintenance expenses can be avoided.
Traditional maintenance challenges
Conventional repair methods include welding, which is not always possible due to the location of the equipment, the requirement for hot work and the volatile chemicals contained. Replacement in turn is expensive and in many cases incurs further costs due to loss of production through downtime.
Belzona is compatible with cathodic protection and sheathing. Sheathing can offer good protection, however the initial capital costs can be high, and cathodic protection on its own is expensive to maintain.
As splash zones are located just above and below the waterline, this adds a further difficulty when performing any repair or protection work, and there is a requirement to use skilled labour trained to work in these challenging conditions to carry out the application. Our business model incorporates comprehensive training for the application team to ensure high quality engineering grade repairs are achieved each time.
Deterioration of splash zone areas
In the case of risers, loss of containment results in spillages into the environment at a cost of the asset owner. Addressing this problem involves further losses of time and money, as the equipment has to either be replaced or repaired; a costly operation, during which it cannot be kept operational.
For platform legs, the consequence of any damage is the potential risk of structural collapse; potentially catastrophic to personnel.
Environmental consequences
Protecting the environment is becoming increasingly important. As a result, it has been integrated into numerous international laws, which, if not complied to, can result in heavy fines, possible imprisonment and further complications. Therefore the owners of splash zone areas have a huge responsibility to ensure that equipment is maintained.
Causes
Damage to splash zone areas can be caused in the following ways:-
- Corrosion can occur even when the structure is encased in concrete. Sea water can penetrate between the concrete jacket and the metal. This can result in crevice corrosion and pitting corrosion.
- Erosion caused by the constant flow of water against a piece of structure.
- Abrasion due to impact by debris (including sediments and entrained solids, such as sand), ice or wave energy.
- Structural issues due to exposure to high internal pressures.
Risers
Erosion/ corrosion damage to risers can lead to the loss of wall thickness and through-wall defects. Disbondment of the surrounding material (such as the rubber lining) can also occur. Accidents and impact are also possible, leading to mechanical damage such as cracks, splits and fractures. All of this can compromise structural integrity and/ or containment.
Platform legs
Usually manufactured from steel or steel-supported concrete, platform legs suffer from corrosion due to the reaction of the metal and the water. Furthermore, debris as well as ice can be responsible for abrasion, entrainment and erosion - the latter will also be caused by the flow of water against the platform leg.
History
With over 60 years of experience, Belzona’s systems and techniques are able to provide solutions which can successfully deal with the many challenges encountered in splash zone areas.
The effectiveness of Belzona Solutions for Splash Zone Areas has been proven over the years, resulting in benefits such as increase of equipment life, reduction of interruptions/downtime and avoidance of replacement costs. Many organisations across a wide range of industries worldwide have benefited from Belzona's products.
Video:
Belzona coatings and repair composites for offshore corrosion protection video