The document discusses a case study where Corrocoat used its VEF and Armagel coating system to quadruple the life expectancy of coarse water strainers used in the oil and gas industry in the UK. Specifically, the coating system involved grit blasting the internals and applying a minimum 1mm thick layer of VEF followed by a 1.5mm thick layer of Armagel. This extended the lifespan of the strainers from 2-3 years previously to over 12 years now before maintenance is needed. An oil and gas operator is now retrofitting and maintaining all of its coarse water filters over the next few years using this coating system.

1. Case study: VEF & ARMAGEL for water filters
Quadruple life expectancy for coarse water strainers.
Client
Oil & gas industry, UK.
Application date
2004.
Scope of work
Machine out the internals of the vessel and fit a top
and bottom impact ring in stainless steel. Coat the
remaining internals for abrasion and corrosion
resistance. Paint externals to house colours.
Products
Polyglass VEF with top coat of Armagel.
Substrate
Carbon steel.
Coating system
• Grit blast internally to SA 21/2.
• Apply VEF to minimum dft of 1mm.
• Apply Armagel to total dft of 1.5mm, into flange
rebates and finish flat.
• Thickness check and spark test at 19kV.
Coating credentials
The initial problem with the coarse water strainers was
identified over 20 years ago. During the “bloom” period
they clog up with the algae growth. So, several times a
day, the basket is lifted in and out for cleaning. This
regular movement within the strainer causes mechanical
damage over a period of time at the location points at
the bottom and top of the vessel.
Corrocoat offered a solution of inserting stainless steel
impact rings at the top and bottom of the vessel to
take the majority of the mechanical damage and coat
the rest of the internals with a corrosion and abrasion-
resistant lining. The initial life expectancy of the strainers
was 2-3 years before they came out of service for
maintenance. With the Corrocoat Corrosion Engineering
Retrofit package, the strainers are lasting in excess of 12
years before any maintenance is required.
One O&G operator that is aware of this package has
developed a maintenance plan to retrofit and maintain
all their coarse water filters over the next few years.
Some of the originally coated vessels that have been in
service in excess of 16 years now require some minor
maintenance, and the other uncoated vessels are
receiving the whole treatment package.
Photographs
Left: Filter vessel on arrival at the Leeds works.
Middle: Vessel end externals and bolt holes.
Right: Completed vessel internals.
Corrocoat Ltd, Forster Street, Leeds LS10 1PW Tel +44 (0) 113 276 0760 Fax +44 (0) 113 276 0700 www.corrocoat.com