New coatings offer added protection for the splash-zone
The splash zone is that vulnerable area of an offshore structure that faces corrosion from both the atmosphere and the sea and as it is just above the waterline, it can also suffer from impact and abrasion. Protecting this area is vital if asset owners want to prolong the life of their structures and reduce costly and time consuming maintenance.
Recognising the importance of the splash zone, Hempel has launched two variations of a new coating specifically developed to protect these areas, currently available in Europe. Hempadur Multi-strength 35840 and 35842 are two-component, epoxy based, anti-corrosive coatings incorporating overlapping glass flakes to improve resistance to water permeation. Unlike conventional coatings, these two products are almost solvent-free and contain reactive diluents (instead of conventional solvents) to create superior cross-linking properties. This significantly enhances their resistance to corrosion and also avoids the potential for solvent entrapment when applying paint at high dry film thickness.
Having listened carefully to our customers, Hempel decided to offer this new coating in two variations to give a choice of film thicknesses whilst maintaining identical protection. The high solids ratio (99 percent) and low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) content also makes them much kinder to the environment.
Commenting on the new products, Hempel’s Oil & Gas Segment Manager, Simon Daly said:
There are many products that have been developed to protect the splash zone, but we are bringing a different technology approach to the market that delivers enhanced protection with minimal environmental impact. Our products are easy to apply and hardness develops quickly during the curing process which allows for quicker handling – this makes them ideally suited to pre-fabricated items”
Hempadur Multi-strength 35840 and 35842 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.
About Hempel
As a world-leading supplier of trusted coating solutions, Hempel is a global company with strong values, working with customers in the decorative, marine, infrastructure and energy industries. Hempel factories, R&D centres and stock points are established in every region.
Across the globe, Hempel’s paints and coatings can be found in almost every country of the world. They protect and beautify buildings, infrastructure and other assets, and play an essential role in our customers’ businesses. They help minimise maintenance costs, improve aesthetics and increase energy efficiency.
At Hempel, our purpose is to shape a brighter future with sustainable coating solutions. We firmly believe that we will succeed as a business only if we place sustainability at our heart. Not only is it the right thing to do, it will strengthen our competitive position, make ourselves more resilient and reduce our risk.
Hempel was founded in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1915. It is proudly owned by the Hempel Foundation, which ensures a solid economic base for the Hempel Group and supports cultural, social, humanitarian and scientific purposes around the world.
