The Use of Coatings for Corrosion Control on Offshore Oil Structures

This article considers the use of coatings for corrosion control on offshore oil structures. The author provides an overview of the offshore oil and gas industry, the types of structures coated, the coatings used in different zones of the structures, and the practical criteria, including United States regulatory requirements, that influence the coating process. The author notes that more than 50% of the 6,500 offshore oil and gas installations of the world are located in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. The offshore installations are built for exploration (drilling) and production (including preparing water or gas for injection, processing oil or gas, cleaning produced water for disposal, and accommodations of crew). The author defines the different types of drilling rigs, including jackups, drill ships, submersibles, and semi-submersibles; these are generally replaced by production platforms for the next phase of work. Production platforms can be fixed, floating, or tension leg platforms. The author then considers the indications for corrosion control, the types of coatings available, and coating evaluation and maintenance. Due to the remoteness of the work location and the usual need to conduct coatings work concurrently with platform operations and other maintenance activities, planning and coordination are critical to reduce costs and minimize wasted resources. Once a coating work crew and equipment are mobilized to the platform, the owner will pay for those assets until they return to shore. Alternate work options should be planned for as contingencies to handle weather or other complications that may interfere with the coatings work.