Two new coatings, Hempadur Quattro XO 17820 and 17870, are being introduced by global coatings supplier Hempel to increase the service life and reduce on-station maintenance requirements of offshore assets.

The new high-performance pure epoxy uni-primers combine excellent corrosion protection with construction flexibility, according to the company.

Details of the Coatings

The coatings are part of a series of two-component epoxy primer coatings, which provide advanced crack resistance using Hempel’s patented fiber technology.

They can be applied in immersed and non-immersed areas of any offshore asset, from offshore platforms and drilling rigs through to support vessels.

In line with new environmental regulations, the products are fully compliant with IMO Performance Standard for Protective Coatings (PSPC) regulations. Their high-volume solids ratio (80 percent) means that fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released into the atmosphere.

The coatings can be applied to multiple areas above and below the waterline, including ballast water and oil cargo tanks. They can also be applied year-round, with workability from -10 ˚C to 45 ˚C.

Industry Endorsements

“For asset owners, the key benefits of Hempadur Quattro XO are that fewer variations of protective coating are required across the structure; lifecycle maintenance is greatly simplified and downtime for re-coating is significantly reduced, saving time and money,” said Simon Daly, Hempel's oil and gas segment manager, in reference to the product's application to the offshore industry.

“For yards and coatings applicators, the fact that the product is quick drying and can be applied even during winter months, means that project schedules can be maintained without painting activities being interrupted,” he added.

Guy Tanguy, managing director of German surface protection and industrial services company Meuhlhan B.V., endorsed the use of Hempadur Quattro 17870 XO on the ballast tanks of the semi-submersible vessel Saipem 7000.

“The aluminium and fiber pigmented pure epoxy has proven its excellent characteristics,” Tanguy said. “The recoat intervals were very short, which made it possible to work around the clock in order to finalize the tanks within the schedule, despite the low winter temperatures and high volume solids in the product.”

The Hempadur Quattro XO range has received wide industry endorsement through its application to commercial ships, according to Hempel officials. Additionally, the range has been type approved by all major classification societies, including Lloyd’s Register, DNV GL, and ABS.