The Complete Corrosion Solution
HDPE linings are a long term solution to a wide variety of corrosion problems facing the oil and gas industry. Rotationally lined pipelines can protect the metal surfaces from abrasion and chemical corrosion to which the system is exposed. Antimicrobial additives within an HDPE lining enhance the coating by adding a layer of protection against microorganisms, resisting and eliminating growth on the internal surface of the pipeline. In microbial influenced corrosion (MIC), microorganisms in the seawater cause corrosion and stress cracking in both metallic and non-metallic materials. When this degradation is combined with aqueous corrosion from the marine environment, it is apparent that any significant advancement in MIC mitigation would prove invaluable to asset protection programs in these conditions. MIC has no permanent preventive measures and is very difficult to control on existing pipelines. With a MIC-Guard additive within an HDPE lining the pipeline is shielded from microbiological growth, accumulation, and feeding while remaining protected against conventional corrosion.
Introduction:
Corrosion impacts every industry by deteriorating metals in a chemical, physical, or biological manner. NACE released a study that calls out corrosion as the the world’s $2.5 trillion problem. By using the best corrosion prevention methods the global savings could be upwards of 35%. MIC is present when metals are submerged in any aqueous solution. The naturally existing organisms that reside in water, soil, and air accumulate and feed on the surface and can cause blockages, fissures, leaks, and even total collapse of structures. Microbial influenced corrosion is accountable for $2 billion each year and roughly 40% of pipeline failures. MIC can prevent proper system operations and can force a full repair of your structure.
Problem Definition:
All forms of corrosion are observed when a metal is in contact with water, particularly salt water. Most metals will begin to rust and degrade almost immediately, the integrity of the structure will begin to weaken, and a biofilm will develop on the surface. Corrosion and fouling will propagate on the inside of a pipeline where they will cause the most harm to the system commonly changing flow characteristics or causing complete failure in the form of cracks holes in the pipe. Most common viable solutions involve regularly flushing the system with harsh chemicals. There is an obvious need for a long term solution to MIC while maintaining protection against chemical and physical corrosion.
High-Level Solution:
RMB and BTG Products co-created a complete
corrosion resistant lining for your pipeline needs.
The MIC-Guard enhanced HDPE lining will protect
your metal from abrasives, physical impact,
chemical corrosion, and microbial growth and
degradation.
Solution Details:
MIC-Guard is a powder additive that is easily
incorporated into the powdered HDPE. The two powders are blended together using a simple rolling technique and the HDPE is melted and rotated around within the pipeline to insure every crevice of the pipes internal surface is thoroughly bonded.
The HDPE is melted and cooled at specific temperature ranges that allows the plastic to entirely adhere to the surface. Because the MIC-Guard additive is produced through a high temperature process making it is able to withstand the temperatures of rotolining and extreme environments where the lined system will be implemented. RMB’s rotational lining process provides a consistent depth throughout the length of the pipe while ensuring that MIC-Guard is evenly dispersed and concentrated on the surface. The MIC-Guard additive is permanently embedded into the plastic matrix and does not require follow up procedures. Extensive third party microbiological testing has proven that this solution is effective against a wide variety of bacteria strains. More testing has confirmed that the additive has no harmful side effects to the lining or to the surrounding environment. RMB Products has seen a service life of their HDPE linings be successful up to 50 years and BTG’s additives will last the lifetime of the coating.
This joint effort of RMB and BTG Products proved the successful implementation of long lasting anti-corrosion solutions for offshore platforms. Using a simple but unique solution of MIC-Guard enhanced HDPE and RMB’s rotolining method a long term solution is provided to fight traditionally known chemical corrosion and abrasion as well as the ever-growing problem of MIC.
Business Benefits:
The reduction of all corrosion can substantially extend the life of your assets and provide longer run times without extensive maintenance periods. HDPE with MIC-Guard is the solution many oil and gas corrosion issues whether offshore or otherwise by reducing the time and costs of maintenance, resisting damage to your assets, and providing a long lasting, eco-friendly solution.
Inquiries can be made about this new product or other innovative antimicrobial solutions at btgproducts.com or through email: tkelly@buffalotechnologygroup.com