Description
The project's overall objective is to generate knowledge and develop a technical solution for low cost offshore structures fabrication, eliminating welded joints in it, with high durability thorough the use of advanced coatings to prevent the growth of marine organism, and therefore, reducing the maintenance costs. The low cost structures fabrication will be achieved by applying a design of jacket structures (steel structures formed by tubes which are fixed to the seabed) in which welded joints between the tubes forming the structure are not needed. The high durability of the structure will be achieved by modifying the reformulations of the paint currently used (base of acrilic polyurethane), with nontoxic stabilizers, which avoid colonization and growth of algae and crustaceans. This also slows down bio corrosion in the structure and minimizes the environmental impact. This project is an opportunity to access the offshore sector with new and innovative form of paint/coating.
Summary of project results
Reduction of manufacturing costs have been achieved avoiding welded joints in the structure. Tensegrity and minimal surface concepts have been applied to the design of the new jacket. High-durability have been achieved by means of modifications and reformulations on paints (base of acrilic polyurethane) which avoid colonization and growth of algae and crustaceans. This also slows down biocorrosion. The low manufacturing cost intended for the new structure jacket type was obtained applying tensegrity concepts and minimal surfaces, so it was not necessary welded joints between the tubes that compound the structure. The high durability of the structure was achieved modifying the coatings currently used, acrylic polyurethane base, with nontoxic stabilizers, inhibiting the settlement of marine organisms like algae and crustaceans, slowing biocorrosion and while minimizing environmental impact.
Summary of bilateral results
The collaboration with an organization from any of the donor countries, was established with SINTEF, a research organization from Norway. The contribution of SINTEF to the project consisted on the trials in real marine conditions of several specimens manufactured by IDESA and painted by Irurena. The tests performed by SINTEF were an important part into the project, because they could provide a controlled real marine conditions and the knowledge to give quality feedback to IRURENA about their coating. If IRURENA continues with the development of this business line of coatings, they will count on SINTEF for further collaborations.