Hempel has launched two new coatings especially to protect the »splash zone« areas of offshore structures.
The »splash zone« is the area of an offshore asset (oil & gas platform or wind turbine, for example) that is just above the waterline. Therefore this area is vulnerable [ds_preview]by atmospheric and immersion-type corrosion; as well as physical damage such as abrasion and impact, especially in areas around boat landings.
Hempadur Multistrength 35840 and 35842 are Hempel’s new coatings that have been developed to protect this area. Unlike conventional coatings, these two products are almost solvent-free and contain a much higher percentage of reactive diluents instead of conventional solvents to create superior cross-linking properties (a chemical reaction that helps harden the coating). This significantly enhances their resistance to corrosion Hempel stated. In addition, the coatings are reinforced with overlapping glass flakes to further enhance their water resistance and strengthen them against physical impact. Their high solids ratio (99 %) and low VOC (volatile organic compound) content makes them significantly kinder to the environment than conventional coatings the coating company added.
Thinning a coating often increases the potential for solvent entrapment and can result in poor appearance and sagging. To avoid this common problem, Hempadur Multistrength is available in two variations – 35840 and 35842 – giving customers a choice of »splash zone« products that offer identical performance but at different film thicknesses.
Hempadur Multistrength 35840/2 have both been pre-qualified to NORSOK M-501 System 7A and 7B; including extensive testing to ISO 20340: 2009 for a variety of relevant corrosion categories.
