Session: 02-05-01 Reliability of Marine Structures

Paper Number: 87376

87376 - Long Term Performance of Protective Coatings - a Case Study of a Glass Flake Polyester Coating After 35 Years Under Offshore Conditions 

The offshore Oil&Gas industry started in the early 1970’s on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. Some of the first jacket installations were first applied with traditional epoxy coating systems. However, good experience with glass flake reinforced polyester coatings in the early 1980's convinced operators to apply these high build coating systems for all new structures, as well as refurbishing several existing structures during offshore maintenance campaigns. Glass flake reinforced polyester coatings have now been used for more than 35 years under offshore conditions on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. High film thickness and highly abrasion-resistant coatings have proven to be highly durable in the tidal/splash zone of offshore constructions.

Some of the first Oil&Gas offshore structures are now being decommissioned. This enables investigations on the long-term performance of coatings exposed to harsh conditions with limited access. This study presents the findings from an investigation performed on a glassflake reinforced polyester coating that was applied under offshore conditions for approx. 35 years ago. The presented results contain traditional visual inspection and adhesion testing, as well as more advanced analysis including FTIR, DMA, SEM/EDX, and EIS. The results show that there was no detected under film corrosion and the adhesion values were acceptable. Further, the analysis showed that the product has undergone some ageing, however, the barrier properties of the coating system are still excellent.

With many new offshore wind projects underway it is important that the industry provides knowledge and experience from offshore Oil&Gas to ensure long-term corrosion protection under offshore conditions to enable a sustainable service life.

Presenting Author: Anders W. Skilbred Jotun AS

Authors:

Anders W. Skilbred Jotun AS
Andreas Løken Jotun AS
Lasse Isaksen Jotun AS