A deteriorating splash zone can have a devastating impact on the environment.
When it comes to risers in particular, loss of wall thickness and containment causes spillage into the ocean.
Disbondment of the surrounding material, like the rubber lining, is also common, as are impacts and accidents that cause mechanical damage including splits, fractures, and cracks that compromise structural integrity.
This issue will cost the asset owner precious time and money, as the equipment will either need to be repaired or replaced and cannot operate during this process.
When platform legs deteriorate, the risk of structural collapse increases greatly, which is incredibly dangerous to both your personnel and the environment. Because they're usually made up of steel or steel-supported concrete, platform legs fall victim to corrosion when the metal reacts to water, debris, and ice.
With so much at stake, several international laws have been implemented to protect the environment. Failure to comply with these laws can lead to possible imprisonment, large fines, and other complications. That being said, platform owners have a major responsibility when it comes to maintaining offshore equipment.
Corrosion causes
Splash zone damage due to corrosion can be caused by:
- Abrasion caused by ice or wave energy and the impact of debris such as sand, sediments, and entrained solids
- The constant erosive flow of water against metal
- Structural issues caused by exposure to high internal pressures
- Sea water seeping in between the metal and the concrete jacket causing pitting and crevice corrosion
It's important to note that splash zone damage is not always caused by one specific thing. In fact, it's often a combination of many factors working together.
Corrosion solution
One of the best ways to prevent, or at least mitigate, splash zone corrosion is by wrapping your risers and platform legs with Mark Tool's SplashTRON®.
SplashTRON® can be applied to various areas on your offshore platform and is also used to coat pipelines. It's tough, but flexible, and is uniformly bonded to metal that's exposed to the splash zone.
Resistant to impact damage, weather, and corrosion, SplashTRON® doesn't require any routine maintenance and has brilliant thermal and electrical insulating properties. Extend the life of your offshore platform today and avoid a deteriorating splash zone by requesting a free quote from Mark Tool.