Anti-corrosion coatings for high heat environments

Citation

(2002), "Anti-corrosion coatings for high heat environments", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 49 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.2002.12849cad.001

Anti-corrosion coatings for high heat environments

Anti-corrosion coatings for high heat environments

Keywords: Coatings, Corrosion inhibitors, Heat

International Protective Coatings has introduced two new products to its established Intertherm range of coatings for use on pipes and vessels in high heat environments.

One (Intertherm 181) is designed specifically for new construction, the other (Intertherm 228) claims specific benefits when maintaining in situ industrial plant.

High temperatures in this context are generally accepted as anything over 120°C (248°F), the normal upper limit for standard epoxy resin-based paints to work effectively. Typically these conditions are found in the chemical and hydrocarbon processing industries and on drilling and oil production rigs, where operating temperatures often reach 230°C (446°F) and can climb to over 500°C (932°F).

Heat alone is not the only problem associated with these environments. Cyclic temperatures – when coatings and steel are subjected to severe temperature changes, so they expand and contract at different rates – also put the coatings film under severe stress. Rapid cooling and reheating cause condensation followed by evaporation, a process which can result in salt residues forming on the surface of vessels and pipes to create extremely aggressive and hostile conditions. Thermal cycling like this occurs when processes are shut down or started up before and after maintenance, or as part of the normal operational parameters in sectors such as LNG processing.

Corrosion under insulation is another common problem in the process industries. Insulation is generally applied to pipes and vessels operating at temperatures up to 300°C (572°F). When conventional mineral wool insulation breaks and allows moisture through, it can lead to the accelerated corrosion of the steel surface underneath. If left unchecked, this will result in the structural failure of the pipe or vessel.

IPC reports that its Intertherm range includes products to combat corrosion and protect steelwork in the full range of high heat temperatures and environments.

Intertherm 181 is described as a multipurpose coating, which can be used on pipes and vessels operating at varying temperature ranges up to 500°C (932°F). Used in conjunction with an Interzinc 22 primer, it is said to be ideal for use during the fabrication of chemical and petrochemical processing plants, doing away with the complex logistics required when a variety of coatings are specified to be used for steelwork subjected to different operating temperatures, with or without thermal insulation.

Intertherm 228 is reported to be designed to protect steelwork in a wide range of corrosive environments at major refurbishment and for general maintenance. It is believed to be particularly suited to insulated pipework subjected to wet and dry cycling, in temperatures up to 230°C (446°F) and claims excellent resistance to "thermal shock" experienced during rapid changes in temperature.

International has designed a simplified system selection guide for the Intertherm range of high-heat coatings for a temperature range from ambient to 540°C (1,004°F). For a copy and more information about the Intertherm range of high-heat coatings, contact Jim Kavanagh. E-mail: james.kavanagh@uk.akzonobel.com

Details available from: International Protective Coatings. Tel: +44 (0) 171 479 6000; Fax: +44 (0) 171 479 6555; E-mail: Web site: www.international::pc.com

Asia-Pacific contact: Paul Hunter, Marketing, International Protective Coatings Tel: +64 9 828 3009; Fax: +64 9 828 1129; E-mail: paul.hunter@akzonobel.com.au

USA Contact: Lora Bergeron, Marketing, International Paint. Tel: + 1 (832) 237-1807; Fax: + 1 (360) 397 8291; E-mail: lora.bergeron@uk.akzonobel.com