How can nanotechnology protect surfaces in the oil industry?

By Abdullah Alshamrani

Nanotechnology is the engineering of functional systems at a scale between 1 and 100 nano metres (nm) in size. One nanometre is 1 x 10-9m, or one billionth of a metre. What is important here is that, as particles get smaller and smaller and their properties change, their relative surface area increases and quantum effects can change or enhance reactivity, strength and electrical behaviour. Therefore, nanotechnology enables the introduction of better and more clever materials that will improve structural performance, prolong material life spans and drive costs down. In the case of coatings, they are not only safer, more environmentally friendly and easier to use, but more effective than older technologies, which is really important in the oil industry that faces harsher and highly corrosive environmental conditions.

Applications the oil and gas industry can use now

Current applications? Just about any surface or material in the oil industry can have a potential application for nanotechnology. For our purposes, we will look at coatings and admixes that are already available and proven. The SurfaPore line of products produced by NanoPhos, contain billions of tiny particles that bond within the pores of the substrate to form a chemical barrier that becomes part of the substrate itself. For example, when a cement surface is treated any trapped humidity can exit as the material retains their breathability, while moisture and water cannot enter preventing corrosion and degradation. Efflorescence, the white salt deposits that appear on surfaces, can be prevented by the use of such material. Further, mould and lichen also have a difficult time attaching to SurfaPore nanoparticle treated surfaces because of the lack of residual moisture.

However, nanotechnology cannot only protect common cement surfaces by making the water repelling, but by also making them "self-cleaning". A self-cleaning coating, such as NanoPhos' SurfaShield, when placed on common surfaces will break down organic matter and effectively clean dirt and become antimicrobial!  Here are some examples of applications you might want to evaluate:

Water/oil protection for porous surfaces  

SurfaPore can eliminate water and even oil penetration. Such an effect can have dramatic effects in the protection of surfaces against the corrosive nature of salt water and moisture. The small size of the particles hide in the pores without creating a film, make these formulations last longer under the intense UV conditions and heat often found in the industry.

Self-cleaning and anti-microbial coatings

SurfaShield nanoparticles can be used because of their self-cleaning, sterilising and anti-fouling properties reducing maintenance costs and extending the life of surfaces. Their action is powered by the surrounding and abundant UV - this photocatalytic action is endless as the material is not consumed.

Insulating paint

Powered by nano and micro technology, SurfaPore ThermoDry enables paints to reflect infrared radiation/heat and significantly reduce thermal conduction. More specifically, paints with SurfaPore ThermoDry reflect 93 percent of the infrared spectrum, resulting in significant temperature differences between the exterior and interior surfaces. Tests by the New Zealand Heavy Engineering Research Association (HERA) demonstrated that when a ThermoDry coating is placed on a piece of metal thermal resistance has increased an astonishing 243 times! The applications in the oil industry are endless: painting of oil tanks for reducing internal temperature and fumes, energy savings in plants and warehouses by simply painting pipes, containers and roofing.

Anti-corrosive metal coatings

Applied to different metals, nanoparticle coatings can prevent rust and corrosion in much the same way as with glass by creating a super-thin film that protects metals for corrosive substances. 

Cement additives that improve adhesion

NanoPhos is leading the way in commercial applications with its SurfaMix cement mix additive that doubles adhesion, reduces cracking, controls cement hydration The result is superior plasters that last longer and do no longer yellow or exhibit poor adhesion.

About

Abdullah Alshamrani is the president and Chief Executive Officer of Building Technology, Eng. He also own CME & C Consulting firm, is Vice President of Nukote Arabia, sits on many councils, including the Saudi Swiss Business Council, Saudi Russian Business Council, Saudi Engineering Committee, Saudi Environmental Society, Gulf Society of Maintenance Professionals and Saudi Society of Protective Coating.