add to the options for the asset owner and maintenance
contractor worldwide and in Europe particularly.
The Dura-Plate 301W – the product version that
reflects the recent expansion developments – is
now offering cold curing down to 0˚C and extended
re-coatability of up to six months, two important
extensions of this technology reach.
The cost of downtime on maintenance has long
been an issue in many offshore European locations, with
shortened seasons for coating depending on how low
temperatures have fallen in winter. The Dura-Plate 301W
now offers a longer painting calendar and with it increased
efficiencies and reduced overall project costs.
The low temperature trials conducted in the UK in
the recent past have been successful. Dura-Plate 301W is
now being used in South Brazil, China and Japan at low
temperatures, and its use is expanding fast as it surpasses
the hundreds of thousands of litres being successfully
applied so far.
Technology in use
Petrobras, the Brazilian state-run energy company, is
reporting positive advantages of using the 301 technology
combined with UHP water jetting at the world’s largest
offshore new building contract to date, for a total of eight
FPSO hulls at the Ecovix shipyard in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Here, the largest Goliath gantry crane in the world
helps assemble the eight hulls. Four UHP chambers are
being used, with efficiencies in time and costs being
reported all round. Dura-Plate 301W has been used
during the winter season, following its approval by
Petrobras.
For shipbuilding, too, the 301 series has been used
successfully, with the first application utilising the 301-UHP
combination being applied at Atlantico Sul shipyard in
Brazil on 10 Suez Max oil tankers. Started in 2009, this
project continues to prove the benefits and features of
this combination with open space UHP working alongside
other operations such as welding, cutting and painting and
strong adhesion data being returned over a low texture
profile.
The advantages for new-build projects speak volumes,
with comparative savings against abrasive blasting
including reduced chamber operating costs, fewer weather
constraints, a reduced environmental impact and reduced
labour costs.
Approvals from all recognised international bodies
have been granted for the suite of Dura-Plate 301 products
including Norsok, Navsea/US Navy and the IMO, including
the world’s only IMO PSPC approval over UHP water
jetting and a zinc-free shop primer. Full approvals are
expected soon for Dura-Plate 301W.
Unmatched
Performance
and Proven
Results
GIRARD INDUSTRIES
6531 N. Eldridge Pkwy
Houston, TX 77041-3507, USA
Toll Free: 800.231.2861
Phone: 713.466.3100
Fax: 713.466.8050
www.
GirardIndustries
.com
