External protection of 48,000m² of welded steel, gas pipeline before being buried.
Background
This pipeline carries 300 million ft³ of gas per day at a pressure of 1200psi. PDVSA sought an environmentally friendly stand-alone coating with guaranteed corrosion protection for the remaining service life of the pipeline.
Good adhesion to both bare steel and remaining areas of fusion bonded epoxy (the original coating) and tolerance of severe mechanical abuse were vital as the pipeline would be buried. It also had to be compatible with cathodic protection and be capable of application in remote field conditions 45km from the nearest town.
The Solution
After extensive laboratory tests, Cemprotec E942 was the only product evaluated that met all criteria. Bare steel was grit blasted to SA2½ before receiving a 2mm layer, whilst the FBE sections were just sweep blasted to clean and enhance the bond. Cemprotec E942 is a polymer and epoxy modified cementitious coating which is applied without a primer, its unique reactive passivating mechanism giving immediate protection. E942 was successfully applied in spite of the blazing daytime temperatures.
Client
Petroleos de Venezuela, SA
Contractor
Antonio Rocchetta y Cia SA
Project Profile - Pipeline In Venezuela