Study by International Reveals Coatings with High Lamellar Glass Flake Extends Offshore Asset Life

AkzoNobel’s protective coatings brand, International, has released a groundbreaking study revealing that protective coatings with a higher lamellar glass flake content are the most effective for the long-term protection of offshore structures.

Long term performance against corrosion offshore is heavily dependent on minimizing the propensity for damage during construction and in operation. Increasing pressure to extend the life spans of offshore assets beyond 40 years has created demand for reliable coatings that minimize costly maintenance and environmental impact.

Glass flake is typically added to coating formulations to provide more robust films in protecting against impact and abrasion. InternationalⓇ examined the impact of varying concentrations of lamellar glass flake on the durability of its epoxy-based coating, Interzone 1000. Epoxy is the most widely used technology for protecting assets in the offshore sector and alongside its proven longevity of track record, minimizes HSE risks of using polyester in initial fabrication.

The comprehensive ladder study compared coatings with varying glass flake contents. Key international standards, such as ISO 24656, place epoxy solutions with more than 20 per cent glass flake as the highest-performing technology for extending lifetimes for offshore structures. However, results of the study revealed that Interzone 1000, with 33 per cent lamellar glass flake, offered superior long-term protection against products containing lower glass flake content. The study highlights a clear correlation between high glass flake content and the durability of the coating which is an industry first.

This extensive study was conducted by a well known third-party who validated these findings, further showing the performance benefits of higher glass flake content in offering protection that extends the lifetime of offshore assets, such as its increased durability, reduced need for maintenance, and therefore lower maintenance costs associated with the asset. 
Findings from the published whitepaper include detailed new insights for owners, engineers and specifiers in the energy sector.

In addition to this lnternational study, the long-term impact of the coating has been monitored on the Hutton Tension Leg Platform (TLP), in the North Sea off the east coast of Scotland, for the past 40 years.

Interzone® 1000 was applied to the Hutton TLP in 1982. Inspections at its 30- and 40-year mark have confirmed the coating’s integrity, showcasing its exceptional resistance to corrosion and wear in extreme offshore conditions.

Willem Horn, Sub-Segment Manager O&G Upstream and Wind Energy, at AkzoNobel said: “There is a growing need and demand for extending the lifetime of offshore assets as the sector experiences increased investment. Today’s research is proof that there is a clear correlation between lamellar glass flake content and the durability of a coating.

“With a 40-year track record and proven real-life performance, Interzone 1000 shows how epoxy solutions from International® remain the trusted and go-to technology for protecting offshore assets worldwide. Its optimized formulation has been proven to deliver unmatched durability, extending asset life and reinforcing confidence in sustainable energy transition, protecting more than 4,000 offshore assets globally.”

You can access the full whitepaper and recording from the recent webinar about the Hutton TLP case study by clicking here. It includes findings of the study, third-party testing data and detailed inspections.
www.international-pc.com