AkzoNobel demonstrated that coatings with high lamellar glass flake content can provide superior long-term protection for offshore structures, reducing maintenance and extending asset lifespans.
The paints and coatings supplier AkzoNobel, through its protective coatings brand International®, has recently released a study revealing that protective coatings with a higher lamellar glass flake content are the most effective for ensuring long-term protection of offshore structures.
Long-term corrosion resistance in offshore environments is significantly influenced by minimising damage during both construction and operation. So, with growing pressure to extend the lifespan of offshore assets beyond 40 years, there is an increasing demand for reliable coatings that reduce costly maintenance and environmental impact.
“There is a growing need and demand for extending the lifetime of offshore assets as the sector experiences increased investment. Today’s research is proof that there is a clear correlation between lamellar glass flake content and the durability of a coating. With a 40-year track record and proven real-life performance, Interzone 1000 shows how epoxy solutions from International® remain the trusted and go-to technology for protecting offshore assets worldwide. Its optimized formulation has been proven to deliver unmatched durability, extending asset life and reinforcing confidence in sustainable energy transition, protecting more than 4,000 offshore assets globally,” has stated Willem Horn, Sub-Segment Manager O&G Upstream and Wind Energy at AkzoNobel.
Glass flake is commonly added to coating formulations to create more durable films that offer enhanced protection against impact and abrasion. AkzoNobel International® conducted an analysis of the effects of different concentrations of lamellar glass flake on the durability of its epoxy-based coating, Interzone® 1000. Epoxy, the most widely used technology for protecting assets in the offshore sector, not only boasts a proven track record of longevity but also minimizes HSE risks compared to the use of polyester during initial fabrication.
The comprehensive ladder study compared coatings with varying glass flake contents. Key international standards, such as ISO 24656, designate epoxy solutions containing more than 20% glass flake as the highest-performing technology for extending the lifespans of offshore structures. However, the study revealed that Interzone® 1000, with 33% lamellar glass flake, provided superior long-term protection compared to products with lower glass flake content – thus highlighting a clear correlation between high glass flake content and coating durability.
This extensive study validated these results, demonstrating the performance benefits of higher glass flake content, including:
- Increased durability;
- Reduced maintenance requirements;
- Lower associated maintenance costs for offshore assets.
Additionally, the long-term impact of the coating has been monitored on the Hutton Tension Leg Platform (TLP) in the North Sea off the east coast of Scotland for the past 40 years. Interzone® 1000 was applied to the Hutton TLP in 1982, and inspections conducted at the 30- and 40-year marks have confirmed the coating's integrity, showcasing its exceptional resistance to corrosion
and wear in extreme offshore conditions.