Thermal coatings (also known as metal spray coatings) can be used throughout a wide range of industries to elevate and protect metal components in order to enhance their performance or extend their lifespan.
In this blog, we’re specifically looking at the role of thermal coatings in the oil and gas industry, and the many uses and benefits of thermal coatings in this field.
What Are Thermal Coatings?
Thermal coatings or metal spray coatings are coatings that are applied to metal surfaces to provide an additional layer.
These coatings or ‘finishes’ can be multipurpose, enhancing the aesthetics of a surface, protecting it from environmental factors, or improving its form and function.
Different types of thermal coatings are available, and there are a range of methods for applying thermal coatings to surfaces.
Why Are Thermal Coatings Used in the Oil & Gas Industry?
Thermal coatings are a key component of the oil and gas industry. Without them, the specialist equipment required to drill for and transport oil and gas wouldn’t be able to withstand the harsh conditions that it is routinely subject to, for example, rough seas, extreme temperatures and adverse weather.
Thermal coatings are therefore used to protect the equipment and ensure it continues working as it should. This is essential not only to keep the industry moving but also for safety reasons and to uphold offshore health and safety law.
The use of thermal coatings can also help to extend the life of equipment and parts, which is vital in an industry where routine maintenance isn’t always financially feasible, or indeed physically possible.
The Benefits of Using Thermal Coatings in the Oil & Gas Industry
There are many advantages to using thermal coatings in the oil and gas industry.
Metal spray coatings can offer multiple benefits from heat-resistance to abrasion endurance, extending the life and improving the performance of key parts and machinery.
Here are some of the principal benefits of thermal spraying in this sector.
Corrosion Resistance
Components can be coated with finishes that fight corrosion. This helps to reduce wear due to exposure to the abrasive materials and harsh chemicals found in the oil and gas sector.
Thermal spray coatings provide protection from issues such as oxidation, galvanic corrosion, stress corrosion and other forms of degradation, preventing the deterioration of parts and helping to maintain performance and safety.
Withstand Abrasion
By its very nature, the oil and gas industry operates under hostile conditions. This means that parts and machinery need to be treated with protective thermal coatings that enable them to withstand the daily damage they’re subject to.
The proper application of thermal coatings ensures that machinery can continue to operate despite harsh wear and tear, such as intense friction. This means pumps and valves last longer and operate more efficiently, reducing the frequency of repairs or the need for replacement parts.
Protection From Extreme Temperatures
Oil and gas components are frequently exposed to extreme temperatures, whether from UV radiation, environmental temperatures or heat given off by other machinery. Thermal coatings help guard against this so that metal parts are able to endure drastic temperature changes without negatively affecting their performance or life cycle.
Water Resistance
Many components used in the oil and gas industry must be water resistant, for example, subsea pipelines. Thermal coatings ensure that underwater machinery can perform regardless of environmental changes, such as water temperature or tides.
Environmental Concerns
As well as protecting components from the environment, some thermal coatings are able to protect the environment from the machinery. For example, through the use of protective metal coatings that prevent erosion, which in turn reduces the risk of harmful materials being discharged into the ecosystem.
Operational Efficiency
The more downtime equipment requires and the shorter its lifespan, the greater the costs. This not only impacts the oil and gas industry but all those businesses relying on it.
Protective thermal coatings ensure that components perform as they should and shield them from excessive wear and tear. This decreases the likelihood of parts failure and reduces maintenance costs for the company.
Thermal Coatings in the Oil & Gas Industry With Alphatek
We hope this has helped to explain the role of thermal coatings in the oil and gas industry.
With over 120 years of cumulative coating experience, Alphatek is a leading independent thermal spray coating specialist. We provide complete thermal coating services to a diverse array of industries.
Get in touch today to find out more about the services we offer and how we can help your business. Email postbox@alphatek.co.uk or call 01706 821021 to speak to a member of our friendly team.
Alternatively, if you’d prefer to visit us in person, you’ll find us 20 miles north of Manchester. Please check our opening times when planning your visit to Alphatek.
