STOPAQ Offshore Corrosion Prevention and Insulation Systems

When Frans Nooren founded STOPAQ in 1988, he started a waterproofing contracting company aimed at solving many civil structure water problems, a major concern in a country like the Netherlands. Drawing on his practical experience, he set out to improve sealing technology products and developed an innovative product, which he demonstrated to great success by sealing leaks in the harbour walls at Rotterdam.

Due to erosion of the soil behind the dock wall pilings, corrosion had taken place and corroded the sheet from the rear, leading to perforations. These had to be sealed from the harbour side using novel technology involving a sealing compound applied and cured under water. This product was the start of a new generation of sealants and coatings.

Polyisobutene resin sealants for the offshore industry

The polyisobutene resin technology STOPAQ’s product range is based on make it ideal for field joint coating of pipelines. The company’s latest innovation of visco-elastic coatings – which are patented innovative polymer technology and available worldwide – can provide pipeline owners and operators with reliable, long-lasting anti-corrosion coatings for field joints and for the repair of damaged areas on the main pipeline coatings.

As the coatings are 100% self-healing, chemical and temperature-resistant, and less likely to damage in service, they can be easily and quickly applied without the need of special equipment or highly skilled operators. This, in turn, means there are fewer application and through life costs.

Advanced corrosion prevention and insulation systems

The offshore world requires advanced corrosion prevention and insulation systems. Corrosion processes can sever offshore equipment and pipe rupture may occur. Hard and tough coatings may break. Very low PH (2-3) electrolyte solutions can cause CUI. Other chemical reactions and or moisture / water penetration must be prevented at great depths.

In response to the offshore industry’s demands, STOPAQ and BASF have joined forces. The result of combining STOPAQ’s visco-elastic corrosion prevention layer with BASF’s PU is a cost-effective solution delivering long-term protection against corrosion by locking out negative influences. We see stopping corrosion as our common mission now. Via our system, we can offer you more control in all process steps from preparation, application and control beyond design life.

Corrosion prevention systems for offshore pipelines and platforms

Pipelines and platforms need to be safe constructions – for people and for the environment. STOPAQ / BASF Offshore can seal spools, under insulation, under fireproofing, J-tube filling, flanges, risers, christmas trees, pp-coating repair, pipe joints, subsea repair, and piles (splash zone). STOPAQ / BASF applications can be found on many important offshore installations worldwide and on offshore pipeline joints.

STOPAQ / BASF offers fully integrated solutions, including service preparation on-board of lay barge vessels. The joint system offers a simple, safe and fast-turnaround job, guaranteeing 100% adhesion. Mechanical protection is ensured by using tapes, shrinkable sleeves or PU infill.

Tailor-made corrosion-resistant coating systems

STOPAQ / BASF’s coating system can be tailor-made for each project, and easily applied. Furthermore, it also allows a quicker preparation of steel and adjacent factory applied coating by at least St2/3 brushing method, cold application of the visco-elastic anti-corrosion layer, and immediate and permanent attachment of the impermeable visco-elastic layer to steel, concrete, polypropylene, polyurethanes and polyethylene. There is no risk of osmosis.

Some of the system advantages are:

• Increasing the speed of application
• Eliminating the need of flame torch
• No need for primers
• Cost-effective: reduces inventory requirements eliminating diameter specific solutions
• Outstanding impact resistance
• Cold flow; providing corrosion protection by penetrating into the finest pores of the substrate
• Very surface tolerant; no grit blasting, only wire brushing or hand tool cleaning required
• Higher temperatures resistance