Experience on Application of Non-Metallic Materials for Offshore Facilities

Abstract

The scope of this paper is to share technical knowledge and experience gained on the use of non-metallic materials in off-shore environments. The proposed applications lead to the highest benefit level in terms of maintenance interventions as well as to weaknesses jeopardizing the productivity. In particular, we evaluated the use of:Glass-reinforced composite material in offshore platform boat landing and stairs, instead of galvanized grating;Glass-reinforced epoxy pipe for offshore firefighting network;Plastic reinforcement sleeve on the protection of tube bundle heat exchanger welding. Analysis was carried out on obtained results. The approach took into consideration the technical results after long period of installation in a boat landing and firefighting network offshore with averse environmental conditions, while for the plastic sleeve it was a proactive action against failure and the relevant study of consequences in case of removal. Present paper is not an innovative implementation but it is born from the daily offshore plant observation with the particular aim to improve the asset integrity trying to guarantee the best performance, reducing maintenance and restoration cost. Positive and negative results on the above applications will be mentioned to permit as final conclusion a proper material selection and design accuracy for future application.