Two new coatings, Hempadur Quattro XO 17820 and 17870, are being introduced to increase the service life and reduce on-station maintenance requirements of offshore assets by leading worldwide coatings supplier Hempel. The new high-performance pure epoxy uni-primers combine excellent corrosion protection with construction flexibility.

Hempadur Quattro XO 17820 / 17870 are part of a series of two-component epoxy primer coatings which provide advanced crack resistance using Hempel’s patented fibre technology. They can be applied in immersed and non-immersed areas of any offshore asset, from offshore platforms and drilling rigs through to support vessels.

In line with the latest environmental regulations, the products are fully compliant with the IMO Performance Standard for Protective Coatings (PSPC) regulations. Their high-volume solids ratio (80%) means that fewer Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are released into the atmosphere.

Hempadur Quattro XO 17820 / 17870 can be applied to multiple areas above and below the waterline, including ballast water and oil cargo tanks, and can be applied year-round with workability from -10˚C / 14˚F to 45˚C/113˚F.

Commenting on the product’s application to the offshore industry, Hempel’s Oil & Gas Segment Manager, Simon Daly, said, “For asset owners, the key benefits of Hempadur Quattro XO are that fewer variations of protective coating are required across the structure; lifecycle maintenance is greatly simplified and downtime for re-coating is significantly reduced, saving time and money. For yards and coatings applicators, the fact that the product is quick drying and can be applied even during winter months, means that project schedules can be maintained without painting activities being interrupted.”

Guy Tanguy, Managing Director of Meuhlhan B.V., endorsed the use of Hempadur Quattro 17870 XO on the ballast tanks of the semi-submersible vessel Saipem 7000.

Tanguy commented, “The aluminium and fibre pigmented pure epoxy has proven its excellent characteristics. The recoat intervals were very short, which made it possible to work around the clock in order to finalise the tanks within the schedule despite the low winter temperatures and high volume solids in the product.”

Hempel’s pure epoxy uni-primers can be reinforced with its patented fibre technology to prevent cracking, improve mechanical properties, guard against impact damage during inspections; and to assist with coating coverage on complex areas. Hempel’s Hempadur Quattro XO range has received wide industry endorsement through its application to commercial ships, and has been type approved by all major classification societies including Lloyd’s Register, DNV GL and ABS.