Lining the inside of large pipe spools for oil metering: a new challenge

SÄKAPHEN recently tackled another challenging project: lining the inner surfaces of very large pipe spools for SAMREF. The solution was using our heat-cured phenolic coating Si 17 N.

At SÄKAPHEN, we take pride in our ability to offer both coating/lining products and application services that comply with the strictest standards and meet the most varied customer requirements.

A couple of months ago, SAMREF, a joint venture between Saudi Aramco and Exxon Mobile, got in touch with us to handle the re-lining of a spool for oil transport that was very large in size—36” in diameter.

In terms of lining product, we choose to apply Si 17 N, a phenolic-based, heat-cured lining with a high abrasion and impact resistance. It is self-priming and developed for direct-to-metal application. Above all, Si 17 N is chemically resistant to metal oxychlorides (VOCl3), 40% hydrofluoric acid, organic and inorganic acids, fume gases, chlorinated aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons, oils and greases. It is resistant to temperature fluctuations, and its exceptional smoothness prevents caking, fouling and incrustation. All of this makes it perfect to withstand the harsh conditions of the chemical and petrochemical industries.

The application operation was signed off by SÄKAPHEN itself. The process started with pyrolysis (the thermochemical decomposition of organic matter into a solid residual co-product in an inert environment, i.e. in the absence of oxygen) followed by adequate surface preparation. 5 layers of Si 17 N were then applied, each treated with an intermediate baking phase. Our authorized applicator DLPS - Diversified Lines of Petroleum Services took well care of the whole application process from start to finish, including all bakes, in its state of the art workshop in Salasil.

As always, being able to count on a partner team based in the customer’s geographic area and, above all, with excellent application skills was decisive for the success of this project. SÄKAPHEN and DLPS can tackle the most diverse challenges and meet demanding requirements through the combination of the former’s products and processes with the latter’s skills and workshop capacity, including 20x4x4m grit blasting facilities, a 16x4x4.5m computer-controlled oven, and a lifting capacity of 20 tons (or even larger if required).

Indeed, the customer was pleased with the results, which will ensure long-lasting protection, extended service life and optimal operation of its pipe spools.