Background
Our Technology division provides a suite of services in the design, maturation and implementation of new technologies and engineering services for sustainable energy production around the world. We do this by helping organisations at all stages of their project lifecycle to assess, test, and implement world-class innovations to support plant optimisations; lowering the costs of production; and reducing the environmental impact of operations. We work closely with a network of global partners to create opportunities for a more sustainable energy future.
Challenge
Our client, a global energy company, is seeking a new insulation technology to mitigate corrosion under insulation (CUI).
CUI is a problem faced by all industries that use insulation to encapsulate steel piping. The insulation is required for heat conservation to maintain operating temperatures within specified limits. Undesirable gaps in the insulation cladding creates pathways for water to enter the trap system.
The encapsulated steel pipe can come into contact with the trapped water giving rise to corrosion, at different rates depending on the amount of water and temperature of service.
The corrosion leads to loss of wall thickness leading to integrity threats and very costly repairs.
Elimination of CUI would lead to substantial reductions in ongoing facility running costs.
Our client is seeking to collaborate with a partner to develop an insulation solution that mitigates CUI and meets the requirements below.
Requirements:
Operational requirements:
- Withstand operating temperatures from -46°C up to 250°C
- Provide an insulation value of 0.027 max. λ in W/ (m.K)
- Mitigate corrosion under insulation
Application properties:
- Suitable for online and offline application/installation: substrate temperature ranging from ambient to 200°C
- Application/installation technology should be easily transferable and should not require highly specialized applicators required. The current workforce of tradesmen can be upskilled in application
Cost-efficient maintenance solution:
- Minimal surface preparation required (hand tool/ power tool cleaning)
- Compatible with existing coating systems including epoxy phenolic and inorganic zinc silicate coatings
- Application to be completed within one 12-hour shift
- Anticipated lifetime of minimum 25 years
What's in it for you?
A successful collaboration will generate business for suitable submissions.
If you have or are developing solutions, or if you have expertise in the above, please click "Apply" to submit your solution/expertise to the Network.