Process vessels play a vital role in a variety of industries, particularly within the oil & gas and petrochemical sectors. These vessels often contain high-temperature media within highly corrosive environments. Such challenging conditions lead to issues such as erosion, corrosion and chemical attack, which are exacerbated further by elevated temperatures and entrained solids.
However, traditional repair methods can be both time-consuming and costly, often necessitating dangerous hot work. Belzona’s high-temperature epoxy applications for industrial equipment repair simplify maintenance procedures and extend the life of valuable assets.
This blog post offers step one of a two-step guide for the repair and protection of high-temperature process vessels by Belzona:
- Step one: Mending pitting damage using the heat-resistant epoxy paste, Belzona 1511 (Super HT-Metal).
- Step two: Applying an overcoat of the high-temperature coating, Belzona 1593, to ensure lasting protection against corrosion and chemicals.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Repair and Protect High-Temperature Process Vessels
Step 1: Surface Preparation Prior to Application of Belzona 1511 (Super HT-Metal)
To ensure a successful pitting repair application, proper substrate preparation is essential.
- The surface must be grit blasted to Swedish Standard Sa2½ (near white metal finish) with a minimum profile of 3 mils (75 microns).
- It is also vital to ensure soluble salt contamination levels are below 20mg/m² (2µg/cm²).
Throughout the preparation and application process, environmental conditions should also adhere to those laid out in the Instructions for Use (IFU). This preparation ensures Belzona 1511 (Super HT-Metal) will adhere strongly to the vessel’s surface.
Step 2: Mixing the Heat-Resistant Epoxy Paste
- Measure out the heat-resistant epoxy paste, Belzona 1511 (Super HT-Metal), at a metric ratio of five parts base to one part solidifier.
- Mix the two parts thoroughly, using a figure of eight motion, to achieve a uniform streak-free grey colour.
Step 3: Apply the First Coat
- Once mixed, carefully use a brush to wet out the substrate with an initial layer, pressing hard into crevices to help prevent air entrapment.
- Then move on to rebuilding the surface with more product, using a Belzona applicator to restore the surface to its original profile.
- Ensure the epoxy paste is spread evenly and covers the entire damaged area.
Step 4: Leave the High-Temperature Epoxy Paste to Cure
For the final step in the process vessel application, allow the Belzona 1511 (Super HT-Metal) enough time to cure, forming a strong, durable repair.
Note: The length of time taken to cure varies depending on application temperature, so consult the IFU for specific timings.
Where to Buy Belzona 1511 (Super HT-Metal)
You can explore the Belzona product range and purchase Belzona 1511 (Super HT-Metal), exclusively distributed by VIVABLAST in Vietnam ICI.