Adhesives and coatings can offer advantages with maintenance challenges
While record profits in 2022 positioned oil and gas companies well to invest and develop new strategies (source: Deloitte Oil and Gas Industry Outlook 2023), ongoing uncertainties and competitive headwinds mean that operational resilience and equipment reliability have to be continuing priorities for producers and refiners.
Pipes, tanks, and containment areas each have their own challenges when it comes to maintaining a robust operation, and LOCTITE® delivers effective, efficient proactive repair and maintenance solutions to keep them running with minimal downtime.
Pipes and Thread Sealing
The biggest issue for pipes is leaks through threads.
Many people don’t realize that there is only 15-20% metal-to-metal contact between typical threads, meaning 80-85% of the assembly is air space. This is why pipes leak, while the air space also allows for corrosion within the threads. PTFE tape may be used to avoid these leaks. However, PTFE is a lubricant, not a sealant, so it will allow for future leaks.
Pipe dope is an alternative solution, but it is rigid and cures hard. This means that, with a little vibration, solvent-based pipe dope can crack and leak. LOCTITE anaerobic thread sealing solutions seal the 80-85% air space, unitizing the assembly, protecting against corrosion, and providing truly proactive, resilient, and long-lasting prevention of leaks within the threads.
LOCTITE® offers a comprehensive set of solutions for effective thread sealing.
Tanks and Wear Protection
Tanks are subject to corrosion from rainwater, chemicals, and other factors. Corrosion ultimately leads to leaks and failures, which can in turn force shutdowns. When corrosion starts to affect the tank, the best solution is a metal rebuild with top coating to protect the rebuilt metal from further corrosion. LOCTITE EA 3478 is a two-part, ferro-silicon filled epoxy resin system. It is extremely resistant to corrosion, chemical attack, and abrasion, making it ideal for restoring parts worn by corrosion impact.
Containment Areas and Coatings
The biggest issues for containment areas around refinery machinery are the breakages and chemical damage to floors and fittings that create an unstable, unsafe environment. The best proactive solution against chemical damage and breakages is to apply a chemical resistant coating in containment areas
