MTM Metalizing, a leading thermal spray coating expert has completed the thermal spray application coating on Akoa Mizu, a vessel belonging to Bluewater Energy Services (BES).
BES specialises in the construction and operation of floating and offshore storage vessels. The Akoa Mizu, which is 248.12m long and 42m tall, is primarily used as a safe and stable floating platform for oil and gas production facilities. It is also used for other offshore activities including processing and separating incoming well effluent into oil, water and gas. The risk of corrosion from the vessel’s working environment of sea water is made even worse by the presence of carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide in the gaseous stage.
Therefore, a thermal spray zinc application process was carried out on the flare boom of the Akoa Mizu. According to Bill Jordan, general manager of MTM Metalizing, the zinc coating on the flare boom will provide significantly better long-term protection than other anti-corrosion measures.
“Though the initial cost of the thermal spray application is higher, the maintenance cost will be lower, resulting in savings for BES over the life of the project. Also, being a floating production and offloading system, the Akoa Mizu is required to stay on location offshore for as long as ten years without dry docking for repairs. This significant period of time in a corrosive environment demands our maintenance-free zinc coating,” said Jordan.
It is noteworthy that the arc spray application was carried out from 50ft above ground for the 42m-high Akoa Mizu.
“No other traditional coating is capable of resisting corrosion while undergoing continuous thermal cycling process of expansion and contraction from heating and cooling,” said Jordan.