Abstract
Two types of corrosion cause the majority of problems in offshore or seawater applications; aqueous corrosion and microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). Aqueous corrosion results from the alkalinity of the seawater itself where MIC degradation stems from microorganisms in the seawater that cause corrosion and stress cracking in materials. Rotational lining solutions can apply a thick, fully bonded, vacuum resistant, monolithic liner of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) to the inner diameter of piping systems, and has proven to provide long-term corrosion protection to aqueous corrosion in saltwater applications. To combat MIC, a novel combination of antimicrobial powder and high-density polyethylene powder was applied through rotational lining. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the biological and mechanical performance of material coatings. Results from microbiological testing showed that coatings enhanced with the material resisted and deactivated over 99% of bacteria while results from mechanical testing indicated that the additive has no significant impact on the corrosion or abrasion resistance of the HDPE lining or on the adhesion of the lining to the substrate. These results are significant because the additive material eliminates the primary source of MIC while maintaining the mechanical and thermal properties of the existing HDPE coating system. This technology provides transformative change in treatment and prevention methods for offshore and seawater applications.
