Protecting Offshore Oil Rigs from Corrosion

Protecting offshore Oil Rigs from Corrosion with Rhino Linings®

Offshore oil rigs face constant threats from the harsh marine environment, especially corrosion. This is particularly true for steel structures exposed to saltwater, sea air, and the continuous motion of waves. Without proper protection, these structures can deteriorate rapidly, causing safety hazards and costly repairs. Rhino Linings® provides a powerful solution with its corrosion-resistant coatings.

Category: Corrosion Control

Project: Coat Offshore Oil Rigs Steel Super Structure from Sea Level to the Oil Platform

Rhino Products: Rhino Linings® TUFF STUFF®

Job Description: Steel structures suffer corrosion from salt water and sea air. Petro-Tech’s offshore superstructures were experiencing these corrosion problems. The constant wave action of the Pacific Ocean would cause the steel to rust and corrode if left unprotected quickly. Very few viable options were available. Petro-Tech chose Rhino TUFF STUFF® coating to protect 11 steel superstructures for their off-shore drilling rigs.

Key Challenges of Oil Rig Rust on Offshore Oil Rigs:

1. Steel exposed to the Pacific Ocean’s waves would rust on offshore oil rig structures and corrode quickly.
2. Very few effective solutions were available.

Rhino Linings® Solution: TUFF STUFF® Coating Application

The local Rhino Linings® applicator was called to coat about 15 meters of the steel from sea level to the bottom of the work platform with Rhino TUFF STUFF® coating at 2.5mm – 2.80mm thickness in safety orange color to ensure visibility and meet safety standards.

Why Choose Rhino TUFF STUFF®?

• Excellent resistance to humidity.
• Superior versatility as a protective coating.
• Combines moisture resistance like polyurea with the strength of polyurethane.
• It is ideal for environments where corrosion from saltwater is a major threat.

Coating Selection Optimal Oil Shore Protection:

Rhino TUFF STUFF® coating was chosen because of its excellent resistance to humidity and versatility as a spray-on industrial protective coating. This product has the unique ability to resist the effects of moisture like polyurea while maintaining the strength and long-term durability of polyurethane.

• Key features:
  • Humidity and moisture resistance.
  • Long-lasting durability under harsh conditions.
  • Seamless and uniform spray-on application.

Site Preparation for Oil Rig Rust Protection:

Before applying the coating, we ensured the steel surfaces were thoroughly prepared:

1. Grit blasting was used to create a rough profile for better adhesion (1.5 – 5 mil).
2. Priming followed, ensuring maximum bonding between the steel and the Rhino TUFF STUFF® coating, which protects the steel from salty seawater.
3. Once prepped, the coating was applied, forming a permanent bond against corrosion.

Proven Results: Long-Lasting Corrosion Protection

All of the offshore rigs in the fleet are still performing as expected. According to Mr. Cristian, the Project Manager, “the product is performing extremely well with excellent adhesion.”

Why Rhino Linings® is the Best Choice for Offshore Oil Rigs in Australia?

• Long-lasting protection: Our coatings offer a strong barrier against corrosion, protecting you from expensive repairs and any risks to your safety.
• Proven performance: Rhino Linings® TUFF STUFF® has proven to be an excellent solution for offshore applications, offering superior protection in some of the harshest environments.

By choosing Rhino Linings® TUFF STUFF®, Petro-Tech has ensured the long-term safety and structural integrity of their offshore oil rigs, particularly in the demanding environment of offshore oil rigs Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. What is an offshore oil rig?
An offshore oil rig is a large, complex structure used for drilling and extracting oil or natural gas from beneath the ocean floor. These rigs are built in oceans or seas, away from the shore, and can be fixed platforms, floating rigs, or subsea facilities, depending on the water depth and conditions. They are designed to withstand harsh marine environments and can operate in shallow or deep waters.

2. Does Australia have any offshore oil rigs?
Yes, Australia has several offshore oil rigs, primarily located off the coasts of Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Victoria. These rigs play a significant role in the country’s oil and gas production, with major fields located in areas such as the Bass Strait and the North West Shelf.

3. What is Australia’s largest offshore territory?
Australia’s largest offshore territory is the Australian Antarctic Territory, which covers approximately 5.9 million square kilometers. While not focused on oil production, this territory highlights Australia’s vast maritime jurisdiction, which also includes resource-rich areas like the North West Shelf and Timor Sea, known for oil and gas exploration.

For further information, you can contact Rhino Linings directly at 1300 887 780 to discuss your requirements or contact us to find out more about the Rhino Linings product range.