Flexible FBE - ARO utilized to minimize coating damages on offshore reel barge pipeline project in the Gulf of Mexico

摘要

Three-layer polyolefin systems are commonly used on reel barge projects due to their excellent flexibility and damage resistant properties. Single layer FBE is the other coating system for this application. Although FBE had excellent corrosion protection properties, it is less popular due to coating damages that happen during reeling and construction activities. Since all damages have to be repaired, extensive coating damages can delay the laying activities causing excessive lay barge charges. The development of a flexible damage and abrasion resistant overcoat (FBE-ARO) offers a solution to this problem. The flexible FBE-ARO system was used on one of the reel barge projects in the Gulf of Mexico. This paper describes the experiences with this new system during the reeling and laying operations.