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THE SUCCESS
OF GLASS FLAKE
EPOXIES
Epoxy glass flake technology
has been used in the offshore
industry for over 30 years
to protect the splash zone of
offshore assets and heavy duty
areas including heli-decks
Dr Toby Stein, from International
Paint, explains why.
12
PCE
OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2012
Owner
Project
Platform Type
1979
ConocoPhillips
Murchison
Offshore platform
1983
ConocoPhillips
Hutton
TLP
1985
Marathon
Brae B
Offshore platform
1989
BP
Arbroath
Offshore platform
1993
BP
Amethyst
Offshore platform
1995
Perenco
Offshore platform
2000
BP
Lomond
Offshore platform
2007
Statoil
Gjoa
Semisubmersible
2010
Statoil
Valemon
Offshore platform
2012
ConocoPhillips
Jasmine
Offshore platform
OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2012
PCE
13
review
analysis
CM
14
PCE
OCTOBER-DECEmber 2012
Surface preparation
It is well known that the level of surface
preparation undertaken prior to the application
of a coating can have a profound impact on
the coatings lifetime. Therefore, it is always
recommended that carbon steel is prepared to a
Sa2.5 level of cleanliness with an angular surface
profile of 50-75 microns. This allows a good
mechanical lock to take place between the steel
substrate and the newly applied coating. The
same is true of glass flake epoxies: maximum
performance is achieved from a Sa2.5 surface
preparation with an angular profile. If this surface
preparation level cannot be achieved then
coating lifetime will be reduced.
Coating performance
In summary, it is no surprise the glass flake
epoxy on the Hutton TLP has performed so
well after almost 30 years. It is high build with a
high level of lamellar glass flake in the dry film
(>30%) that provides excellent damage and
corrosion resistance. This makes it ideal for both
use in heavy duty yards where coating impact
is common and for long term anti corrosion
performance. It is no wonder coatings such as
International Paints Interzone 1000 still prove
popular today and are sure to do so for many
years to come.
MY
CY
CMY