WEG Develops Innovative Corrosion-Resistant Coating for Offshore Applications

WEG has developed an innovative coating for use in highly corrosive environments that improves the durability of assets and extends their service life up to four times compared to existing technologies. This coating technology, which has been tested and applied on a number of offshore platforms, replaces traditional coatings, simplifies maintenance of the equipment and structures being applied, and provides greater resistance than currently employed protective coatings.

The first offshore maintenance project using the new technology has begun, with testing confirming the performance of WEG's new product marketed under the WrapX® brand. In addition to equipment, performance testing and technical training, more than $300,000 was invested in research and investment over two years.

The WrapX® range uses high-performance elastomer coatings to extend the integrity of the assets, the product can be easily removed and reapplied in situations where valve and flange maintenance requires constant intervention. Rafael Guerreiro Torezan, managing director of WEG Tintas, said WrapX® allows large application areas to be released in a matter of hours, unlike current processes that take days to maintain assets. This is a 100% solids sustainable technology that, in addition to the oil and gas sector, can also be used in other highly corrosive environments such as mining, steel, pulp and paper.

The innovative coating was developed with the support of the Materials and Corrosion Technology Area of Petrobras’ Research and Innovation Center (Cenpes), which encourages technological development in Brazil by promoting initiatives focused on innovation and sustainability.