46 OFFSHORE Technology Review / 2016
Seal For Life Industries, the Netherlands,
booth 4304
The fact that many of the existing subsea structures and pipes suffer from corrosion shall not come as a surprise. Yet, even in some cases, relatively new objects already show signs of rust, which can be very inconvenient. In many of these cases, the approach towards corrosion prevention during the engineering phase or the method of application/handling of the objects can lead to these surprising damages. The offered solutions for repair not always lead to satisfaction of the client. Over the past few years, Stopaq – a Seal for Life company – has gained great experience in offering durable underwater and splash-zone repairs. The repairs run from the replacement of damaged/failing fusion bonded epoxies, heat shrinkable sleeves and polyethylene/ polypropylene coatings to the repair of concrete weight coating and even insulating electrical power lines on the seabed. Stopaq started in the late 1980s as a contracting company heavily involved in the sealing and protection of clay walls, tunnels and infrastructural objects against the ingress of water; the company name Stopaq reflecting its business – stop aqua (stop water: Stopaq). The company has developed from the early days of refining the technology, to the extent that it is now and involved in many markets. The Stopaq product range is based on polyisobutene (PIB) resin technology. This being a so-called visco elastic resin – i.e. has liquid-like properties, which means the resin can appear as a solid if suddenly attacked by a force, or can show liquid properties if slowly agitated. Stopaq’s subsea systems and materials bond to wet surface displacing the water, and the moisture staying behind is encapsulated in the special additive in Stopaq’s compound, making sure that PIB get into the finest pores of the steel surface. The natural behaviour of the PIB means that it can fully ‘wet’ the steel and protect it against any further corrosion.
Figure 1. Replacement of a damaged field joint coating.
Figure 2. Subsea pipeline damaged by anchor load.
48 OFFSHORE Technology Review / 2016
The mechanical properties can be found in adhesive-based compressive films, and/or moisture curing polyurethane wraps, which are applied on top of the subsea materials. Stopaq’s corrosion preventative compound does not cure and is packed in a roll form in sheets for ease of application, or as putty to be moulded around difficult shapes such as flanges and valves. Backed up by a strong and dynamic engineering division, Seal for Life Industries also optimises application methods, designs equipment to ease applications and realises optimal safety and time saving solutions. In Stadskanaal, the Netherlands, the Seal for Life engineering group features an in-house diving facility to simulate various applications. This allows the company to rely on a great and successful
track record built up over the years in a wide range of applications, ranging from subsea pipeline coating repair to the protection of risers, sheetpiling, X-knots, jetty piles, jacket legs etc. To optimally cater to the needs of its customers, Seal for Life Industries is associated with partner companies providing inspection and application services, training and project management. SFL Industries Subsea offers a one-stop shop for the entire corrosion prevention package and mechanical protection of offshore and onshore infrastructure. This offers clients all over the world an end-to-end service in the protection and lifetime extension of their valuable infrastructural assets. An international network of 2200 divers are linked to the success of the underwater repair and coating solution.
Offshore industry 2016 prediction Seal for Life is positioning the company and its products to be eco-friendly and durable. We want to ensure that the projects we become affiliated with are safe for people and the environment. Safer business practices in the oil and gas industry can lead to fewer incidents and minimise impacts on people and the environment. We are committed to assuring that all the projects we take on are studied by our technical experts and completed in a manner that is well suited to the environment and meets the time expectations of the contractor. Seal for Life believes it is must contribute and ensure the longevity of its work in order to ensure greener practices. This also creates added value for all our clients who believe in promoting environmentally conscious and sustainable business practices.
Figure 3. Repair of subsea field joint. Application over a damaged tape wrap system.