POLAR

Protective systems for peripheric systems for LNG applications in harsh environments

The use of protective coating in Arctic and Antarctic regions is extremely challenging, particularly due to the remote locations, the very low temperatures and strong winds. Very low temperatures are also an issue with the storage and transport of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Problems associated with the exploitation of protective coatings include icing, de-icing, and the modification of their corrosion protection performance and their mechanical resistance at low temperatures.

The following results are achieved:

• The ice accretion to organic coatings was investigated on real-site samples in an icing chamber. Edges, corners and screws/bolts are particularly susceptible to icing.
• Some organic coatings support the ice detachment from pipeline sections by means of vibrations.
• Low temperatures deteriorate the corrosion protection performance of some organic coatings, but the corrosion protection performance of other organic coatings was insensitive to low temperatures. Thus, the selection of suitable coatings makes a difference.
• Low temperatures notably deteriorate the resistance of organic coatings to impact and abrasion.