SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING OR ARRESTING CORROSION ON INFRASTRUCTURES WITH AN IMPERVIOUS BARRIER

Abstract

Corrosion on industrial infrastructures can be prevented or arrested using a multi-stage system and method having an optional epoxy primer, a thermoplastic layer, a self-amalgamating water-cure wrap, and a top coat of epoxy. The resulting impervious barrier resists corrosion and withstands abuse from the elements.

Description

BACKGROUND

Field

The present invention relates generally to preventing or arresting corrosion, and more particularly, to systems and methods of preventing or arresting corrosion on infrastructures, using an impervious barrier of a combination of epoxy, wrap and thermoplastic.

Related Art

Infrastructures including industrial installations are often located in environments that contribute to the overall deterioration of the infrastructure. Examples include oil platforms, pier supports and bridges that contend with waves, temperature changes and seawater; and mining operations having a prevalence of dust, chemicals and minerals. Corrosion, in particular, is an ongoing challenge for various infrastructures. Not only can corrosion cause catastrophic failure in large structures such as girders and gas pipelines, the corrosion of fasteners such as bolted assemblies affects the safety and function of the systems that they are holding together.

Riser clamps are an example of a bolted assembly, and are an essential part of oil and gas production infrastructure. They attach umbilicals and flowlines to the main rig structure. They are difficult to protect from the destructive forces of the weather and the ocean, and even harder to repair once corrosion has started.

Bolting assemblies used in marine environments are usually constructed of low alloy steel, or of corrosive-resistant alloys having copper, nickel, stainless steel, or titanium. Low alloy steel, and ASTM A193 B7 and A320 L7 in particular, are the most widely used material in bolting assemblies for marine oil and gas infrastructures because they are less expensive and more readily available than corrosion-resistant alloys. Unfortunately, however, low alloy steel is susceptible to corrosion.

Various methods have been employed to prevent corrosion of low alloy steel bolting assemblies, including zinc and cadmium electroplating, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating, sheradising, and spin galvanizing. While these methods may impart some anti-corrosion benefits, they are of limited effectiveness and/or duration.

Thus, there remains a need for a system and method for preventing or arresting corrosion on infrastructures. It is desirable that this system and method can be used above water, below water, and in the splash zone between; can be used on a variety of substrates regardless of size or shape; is long lasting, environmentally friendly and recyclable; and effective against a variety of corrosive agents and environmental assaults.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to systems and methods for preventing or arresting corrosion on infrastructures such as bridges and piers, and industrial infrastructures such as oil and gas rigs, mining operations, and power generating plants such as solar fields and nuclear installations. It is also very effective against environmental elements such as wind, UV, mechanical forces, abrasive forces, vibrational motions, soil to air interfaces, waves, rain, sleet, snow, hail, temperature changes, dust and dirt.

An impervious barrier is created using a multi-stage system and method having an optional epoxy primer, a thermoplastic layer, a self-amalgamating water-cure wrap, and a top coat of epoxy. This prevents the formation of corrosion, and arrests the further development of corrosion, on corrosion-prone components of industrial infrastructures such as riser clamps. The method may be performed above water, then placed under water once the barrier system is properly cured. The system can be use above water, under water or in the splash zone. The barrier is easily removed in sections if desired, and exposed areas can be patched.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a riser clamp with layers of the barrier shown;

FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional view of a bolting assembly encased in thermoplastic;

FIGS. 3A-3F depict a method of forming a barrier on a riser clamp used above water, with:

FIG. 3A—an untreated riser clamp;

FIG. 3B—a primed riser clamp;

FIG. 3C—thermoplastic applied to studs;

FIG. 3D—thermoplastic applied to remainder of riser clamp;

FIG. 3E—riser clamp and neck wrapped; and

FIG. 3F—epoxy applied to thermoplastic and wrapped areas;

FIGS. 4A-4J depict a method of forming a barrier on a riser clamp used in the splash zone, with:

FIG. 4A—an untreated riser clamp;

FIG. 4B—a primed riser clamp;

FIG. 4C—thermoplastic applied to studs;

FIG. 4D—thermoplastic applied to remainder of riser clamp;

FIG. 4E—studs wrapped;

FIG. 4F—top neck wrapped;

FIG. 4G—bottom neck wrapped;

FIG. 4H—top neck and overlapping studs wrapped;

FIG. 4I—wrapping downward until totally wrapped; and

FIG. 4J—epoxy applied.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, the following reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views:

10—Barrier system;

15—Sprayer;

20—Primer;

30—Thermoplastic;

31—Outer skin;

32—Inhibitor layer;

40—Wrap;

50—Epoxy

60—Encapsulation region;

62—Pipe;

63—Bolting assembly;

64—Riser clamp;

65—Neck;

66—Bolt;

67—Nut;

68—Flange;

69—Crevice; and

70—Stud.

The following definitions shall apply:

“Approximately” and the like shall mean +/−10% unless otherwise stated or impossible.

“Substantially” and the like shall mean generally to be true, but allowing for material irregularities, human variances, unusual circumstances and the like.

“Industrial infrastructure” and the like shall refer to components associated with installations such as gas platforms, mines, and power generation plants such as nuclear power plants and solar fields.

“Infrastructure” and the like shall refer to man-made structures including roads, bridges, piers, walkways, buildings, rails-based transportation, docks, as well as industrial infrastructure.

“Impervious” and the like shall mean no signs of corrosion or water ingressions at 10,000 hours in accordance with ASTM B1117 (Revision 2011).

“Neck” shall refer to the sections of pipe near a bolting assembly.

“Splash zone” and the like shall refer to regions that are sometimes above water, sometimes below water, and sometimes partially submerged in water. Variances can be due to tidal action, waves, wind, or fluctuations in water level.

“Substrate” shall refer to the area receiving a barrier, typically a bolting assembly such as a riser clamp, and the sections of pipe adjoining the bolting assembly.

It should be understood that the descriptions and illustrations explain preferred embodiments of the inventions, and are not intended to limit the inventions thereto.

FIG. 1 provides an overview of the multiple layers of barrier system 10 applied to pipe 62 and riser clamp 64. The layer closest to riser clamp 64 is thermoplastic 30, which is covered with wrap 40, which is sealed by epoxy 50. Primer 20, not shown, is optionally applied to riser clamp 64 before thermoplastic 30.

FIG. 2 depicts a bolting assembly, more specifically bolt 66, nut 67 and flange 68, coated with thermoplastic 30. Enviropeel E170 from Alocit & Enviropeel USA of Indianapolis, Ind. is the preferred thermoplastic, but the invention could be carried out with other thermoplastics having similar characteristics such as a melting point of approximately 170° C., at which time it becomes a sprayable liquid, and hardening at 110-130° C., at which the material is in a semi solid state.

As shown in FIG. 2, thermoplastic 30 is preferably sprayed onto the substrate so that contours of the substrate are coated, regardless of size and shape. Thermoplastic 30 migrates into two layers: outer skin 31 and inhibition layer 32. Outer skin 31 acts as a barrier to the ingress of oxygen and water. Inhibition layer 32, preferably an inhibiting oil, disperses to cover every surface and crevice of the substrate within the skin. By way of example, inhibiting layer 32 enters crevice 69 of flange 68, although outer skin 31 does not. The barrier system can be used on substrates where corrosion already exists to stop further corrosion, and to prevent galvanic, pitting and crevice deterioration.

FIGS. 3A-3F depict the major components and steps associated with an above-water riser clamp barrier.

FIG. 3A generically depicts riser clamp 64 connecting two segments of pipe 62 in the untreated state. As a preliminary step it is desirable to remove loose or flaking debris from substrate, for example by brushing with a light wire brush.

The cleaned substrate is then optionally sprayed with primer 20, as shown in FIG. 3B. An example of a suitable primer is Alocit 28.14 supplied by A&E Systems and Alocit USA located in Indianapolis, Indiana and it is preferably applied by sprayer 15, preferably using an airless spray system with minimum 33:1 ratio pump. It should be understood that specifics on primer application are dependent on primer(s) used and substrate condition, and that proper surface preparation should be used based on primer manufacturer specifications.

Next, bolts 66 and surrounding areas (collectively studs 70) are sprayed with thermoplastic 30. This is preferably accomplished by heating thermoplastic to 170° C., and using a manufacturer specified heated application machine, for example a sprayer, to deposit 6-8 mm of thermoplastic on the surface. It is desirable to apply two coats of the thermoplastic to achieve proper film thickness of 6-8 mm, although the manufacturer's specifications should be considered if otherwise is suggested. It is important that all surfaces to be protected are covered at this thickness with no voids. Typically, the secondary coat may be applied immediately following the initial coat. This step is depicted in FIG. 3C. Once the thermoplastic cools to approximately 110° C., it will assume a rubbery solid state.

Next, remainder of riser clamp 64 is sprayed with thermoplastic 30, along with neck 65 of pipe 62, as shown in FIG. 3D. This seals the riser clamp in thermoplastic.

In FIG. 3E, the thermoplastic coated area is covered in protective wrap 40. This is preferably accomplished by wetting the wrap to activate the curing process, then installing the wrap from bottom of substrate to top of substrate so that overlapping edges properly shed moisture. Each wrap should overlap the previous wrap by approximately 50%. Two layers of wrap are recommended. The preferred wrap is Enviropeel Protective Tape from Enviropeel USA of Indianapolis, Ind. Other acceptable tapes would be fast curing, moisture activated, stretchable during installation, UV resistant, and paintable. Wrap 40 is allowed to completely cure. It takes approximately 2 hours for wrap to cure, at which point the shore hardness is approximately 83.

As shown in FIG. 3F, epoxy 50 is sprayed to completely encase protective wrap 40. This is preferably accomplished using an airless spray unit with 63:1 pump to deposit Alocit 28.15 from A&E Systems and Alocit & Enviropeel USA of Indianapolis, Ind. Under normal conditions the epoxy is cured after approximately 6-8 hours, at which time the surface is dry to the touch. The riser clamp now has an impervious barrier that is suitable for use above water. Polyurethane coatings may be used instead of Alocit as a top coat and to provide additional UV protection, so long as they are durable, fast curing, and impart UV stability.

Although not shown, sections of barrier system 10 can be cut and removed in order to inspect the underlying infrastructure, then patched with the appropriate components of thermoplastic, wrap and epoxy, without compromising the integrity of the barrier.

It is important to understand that the system and method of FIGS. 3A-3F pertains to bolting assemblies that are generally above water, and generally above the splash zone. The above water system provides substantial protection, while the splash zone system of FIGS. 4A-4J provides maximum protection.

FIGS. 4A-4J depict the major components and steps associated with a riser clamp barrier in the splash zone. Some components and steps are similar to those in an above water riser clamp barrier, and therefore the descriptions associated with FIGS. 3A-3F should be referred to as appropriate.

FIG. 4A generically depicts riser clamp 64 connecting two segments of pipe 62 in the untreated state. As a preliminary step it is desirable to remove loose or flaking debris from substrate, for example by brushing with a light wire brush. Also, the splash zone riser clamp barrier should be constructed when the substrate is substantially dry and not likely to get wet, for example during low tide.

The cleaned substrate is then optionally sprayed with primer 20, as shown in FIG. 4B.

Next, studs 70 are sprayed with thermoplastic 30 and allowed to cool, as depicted in FIG. 4C.

Next, remainder of riser clamp 64 is sprayed with thermoplastic 30, along with neck 65 of pipe 62, as shown in FIG. 4D. This seals the riser clamp in thermoplastic.

FIG. 4E is a view taken along A-A of FIG. 4D, and shows the head-on view of one stud 70. It should be understood that a second stud would be on the other side of the pipe, but is obstructed in this view. In this step, circumference of studs 70 are swathed in wrap 40.

Upper and lower neck 65 is swathed in wrap 40 in FIG. 4F.

In FIG. 4G, wrap 40 continues downward from upper neck to enclose upper portion of wrapped studs 70. Similarly, in FIG. 4H, wrap 40 continues upward from lower neck to enclose lower portion of wrapped studs 70.

Swathing continues until riser clamp, adjoining necks and studs are completely encased in wrap 40. This is depicted in FIG. 41.

As shown in FIG. 4J, epoxy 50 is sprayed to completely encase protective wrap 40. The epoxy is allowed to harden. The riser clamp now has an impervious barrier that is suitable for the splash zone.

Certain modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the foregoing description. By way of example, the barrier system is suitable for use in gas platforms, mining, and power structure infrastructure including nuclear plants. Also, it is possible to manufacture components with the barrier included, rather than applying the barrier in situ. It should be understood that all such modifications and improvements have been deleted herein for the sake of conciseness and readability but are properly within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1) A method of protecting infrastructure including the steps of: A) Applying a thermoplastic layer to a substrate, said thermoplastic layer including an inhibition monolayer bound directly to said substrate and an outer skin monolayer in direct contact with said inhibition monolayer;B) Allowing said thermoplastic to harden;C) Applying a moisture-cured flexible wrap layer directly to portions of said outer skin monolayer; andD) Hardening said wrap layer.

2) The method of claim 1 wherein said step of applying a thermoplastic layer includes the step of spraying said thermoplastic layer.

3) The method of claim 1 further including the step of applying an epoxy layer directly to portions of said wrap layer.

4) The method of claim 3 wherein said step of applying an epoxy layer includes the step of spraying said epoxy layer.

5) The method of claim 1 wherein said step of applying a flexible wrap layer includes the step of substantially surrounding all portions of said outer skin monolayer.

6) The method of claim 1 wherein said step of hardening said wrap layer includes the step of wetting said wrap layer.

7) A method of protecting low alloy steel including the steps of: A) Applying a thermoplastic layer to a substrate, said thermoplastic layer including an outer skin monolayer; andB) Applying a moisture cured flexible wrap layer directly to portions of said outer skin monolayer.

8) The method of claim 7 wherein said step of applying a thermoplastic layer to a substrate includes the step of applying a thermoplastic layer with an inhibition monolayer binding directly to said substrate.

9) The method of claim 7 wherein said step of applying a thermoplastic layer includes the step of applying a thermoplastic layer by spraying.

10) The method of claim 7 wherein said step of applying a thermoplastic layer includes the step of applying a thermoplastic layer having a hardening point of 110-130° C.

11) The method of claim 7 wherein said step of applying a moisture cured flexible wrap layer includes the step of applying a moisture cured flexible wrap layer having a shore hardness of approximately 83 when cured.

12) The method of claim 7 wherein said step of applying a thermoplastic layer to a substrate includes the step of applying a thermoplastic layer to a bolt.

13) The method of claim 12 wherein said step of apply a thermoplastic layer to a bolt includes the step of applying a thermoplastic layer to a bolt engaged with a riser clamp.

14) The method of claim 13 wherein said step of applying a thermoplastic layer to a bolt engaged with a riser clamp includes the step of applying a thermoplastic layer to a bolt that is engaged with a riser clamp that is engaged with a pipe.

15) The method of claim 7 further including the step of applying an epoxy layer to portions of said moisture cured flexible wrap.

16) A method of creating an impervious bolting assembly including the steps of: A) Spraying a thermoplastic layer to a bolt wherein said bolt is engaged with a riser clamp and said riser clamp is engaged with a pipe, said thermoplastic layer including an inhibition monolayer bound directly to said substrate and an outer skin monolayer in direct contact with said inhibition monolayer; andB) Applying a flexible wrap layer directly to said outer skin monolayer.

17) (canceled)

18) The method of creating an impervious bolting assembly according to claim 16 further including the step of applying an epoxy later to portions of said flexible wrap layer.