Corrosion Protection for key pipelines at Queensland tank farm

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Project Data

Project Overview

As an industry leader in corrosion prevention, Denso Australia provided several made-to-measure systems that will extend the lifespan of the tank farm’s pipelines and maintain their structural integrity.

For the firewater and diesel pipelines, the VISCOTAQ^™ Field Joint Coating System was selected based on the following criteria:

– Its full compliance with AS 4822:2024 (External field joint coatings for steel pipelines).

– The system’s ability to conform seamlessly to irregular surfaces as well as its superior adhesion.

Asset 1: Firewater Pipeline (DN300, MSCL, FusionKote Parent Coating)

Scope: Corrosion protection for approximately 60 field joints.

Why This Solution? The firewater pipeline is a mission-critical safety asset that must be maintained in optimal condition. The parent coating, FusionKote, required a field joint system compatible with its characteristics, ensuring full continuity of corrosion protection. The use of VISCOTAQ^™ ViscoWrap ST was ideal due to its ability to adhere to Poly-Ethelene coatings, conform tightly to irregular surfaces and provide a self-healing corrosion barrier.

Surface Preparation: ST2/ST3 standard.

System Application:

1. 1. Training provided to applicators for proper system installation.
   2. Application of VISCOTAQ^™ ViscoMastic to sharp edges around the collar of the field joints to prevent water ingress.
   3. Wrapping of VISCOTAQ^™ ViscoWrap ST around the joint to form a corrosion-resistant, self-sealing barrier.
   4. Installation of VISCOTAQ^™ PVC Outerwrap for mechanical protection (buried pipe did not require UV resistance).
   5. Final application of Denso^™ Glass Outerwrap for additional reinforcement and long-term durability.

Asset 2: Diesel Pipeline (DN250, 2-Layer Fusion Bonded Epoxy Parent Coating)

Scope: Corrosion protection for approximately 60 field joints.

Why This Solution? The diesel pipeline, coated with a 2-layer Fusion Bonded Epoxy (FBE) system, required a field joint solution that would bond effectively to the parent coating while providing superior corrosion resistance at the welds. The VISCOTAQ^™ system was chosen due to its surface tolerance and adhesion, whilst the additional mechanical layers provided long-term stability and protection.

Surface Preparation: ST2/ST3 standard.

System Application: Identical to Asset 1, ensuring consistency across the project and streamlined training for applicators.

Asset 3: Jet Fuel Pipeline (DN250, Stainless Steel, Ethanol Pipeline – 335 Lineal Metres)

Scope: Full-length corrosion protection for the pipeline.

Why This Solution? Stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion, but when used in an ethanol pipeline carrying jet fuel, additional protection is required to prevent pitting and external environmental degradation. The combination of Denso MP Primer, Densyl Tape, and Denso PVC Outerwrap products were selected to form a robust protective barrier, ensuring the long-term integrity of this critical fuel transport line.

Surface Preparation: ST2/ST3 standard.

System Application:

1. 1. Training provided to applicators on correct system application.
   2. Application of Denso MP Primer to enhance adhesion and provide an initial corrosion barrier.
   3. Wrapping with Densyl Tape to create a self-sealing, water-resistant protective layer.
   4. Final application of Denso PVC Outerwrap for mechanical protection against external environmental factors.

Project Impact

By implementing a combination of Denso^™ and VISCOTAQ^™ solutions, this project successfully mitigated corrosion risks on critical port infrastructure. The selected systems were chosen based on compatibility with the parent coatings, pipeline function, and site conditions, ensuring seamless integration and maximum service life extension.

Denso Australia’s expertise in corrosion prevention ensures that the tank farm’s assets will remain protected for years to come, reducing maintenance costs and safeguarding essential fuel and firewater pipelines in this vital port facility.