Hempel Launches New Fast-Drying CUI Coating
A new coating designed to prevent corrosion under insulation was introduced by renowned coatings supplier Hempel as Hempaprime CUI 275. Hempaprime CUI 275 is intended to boost productivity and enhance corrosion protection at energy generation and oil & gas facilities thanks to its extremely short overcoating intervals and wide temperature resistance.
Equipment operators in the process industries face a significant challenge because of corrosion under insulation (CUI). Repair and downtime due to CUI are thought to cost the industry around USD 300 billion annually in the US alone.
Insulated pipework and other equipment exposed to high temperatures and rapid temperature changes are at risk for CUI.
Since the corrosion is concealed beneath insulation, it can cause significant damage before it is discovered, making detection difficult. Repair work can be costly as a result, necessitating prolonged plant shutdown.
In downstream oil and gas refineries, where CUI makes up about 10% of the maintenance budget, this is a serious issue.
Hempel, a renowned supplier to the process industries for more than 50 years, provides a large selection of tested coatings for hot and insulated environments. The newest product in its line-up, Hempaprime CUI 275, has a number of advantages for both asset owners and applicators.
During tests, Hempaprime CUI 275 has shown significantly higher crack resistance at high temperatures than traditional epoxy phenolic coatings, which reduces the risk of cracking and premature failure during service. It is also extremely fast-drying, which increases applicator productivity.
Zechariah Lim, Product Manager (CUI, high heat and insulation) at Hempel, comments: “Insulated pipework and equipment can be exposed to temperature fluctuations and harsh wet/dry cycling, which makes specifying for CUI service challenging.
Hempaprime CUI 275 is suitable for use in a wide range of temperatures from cryogenic up to 275°C and has excellent crack resistance under cycling.
This makes specification simpler and ensures a more reliable performance in service.” He continues: “Importantly, Hempaprime CUI 275 also has a very short overcoating interval – just 90 minutes at 20°C.
As a result, applicators can coat more sections in one shift, increasing productivity in fabrication situations and reducing the time needed to re-insulate equipment during maintenance work. This can lead to significant cost savings for customers.”
Hempaprime CUI 275 meets the ISO 19277: 2018 standard for categories CUI-1, CUI-2, CUI-3 and all cryogenic equivalents. Hempaprime CUI 275 was launched in June. It is available globally as a standard part of Hempel’s coating portfolio for the process industries, including oil & gas and power generation.
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