Belzona takes the heat off

KHIA ID: 8453

Industry: Steel & Metal Processing (STEL)
Application: VPF-Valves, Pipes and Fittings (VPF)
Substrate: Carbon Steel

Customer Location: Huelva, Spain
Application Date: November 2020

Products:
Belzona 5871

Problem: Due to the contamination and dirt found in the environment close to the pipeline, the insulation material had degraded and was no longer fit for purpose. Unfortunately, this left the hot surface of the pipeline exposed, causing a hazard to personnel working in the area. The pipeline operated at between 80C and 100C. The surface must be below 60C to be considered safe.

Photograph Descriptions

1. Pipe prior to application

2. Surface preparation completed

3. Application completed

4. Surface temperature after curing

Application Situation

Hot pipeline operating in a heavily contaminated and dirty environment, in a copper production plant.

Application Method

Manual preparation tools were used to remove contamination, such as corroded material, from the substrate, and to create a rough surface to aid the adhesion of the Belzona 5871. Belzona 5871 was then applied at a 1.5mm wet film thickness to achieve a dry film thickness of 4.5mm.

Belzona Facts

The key factor in this situation was to minimise the downtime of the equipment. Due to the single layer application of the Belzona 5871, the application was carried out, and sufficient curing time achieved, within a 6 hour downtime window. Alternative solutions included reinstatement of traditional insulation, which would have taken much longer to install, therefore increasing the downtime. The final surface temperature after the Belzona 5871 was fully cured was below the 60C limit, making it safe for personnel to work in the area.

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