Below the ground of Ecuador, hundreds of kilometres of pipelines have been buried since the 1950s – and thus since the beginning of crude oil extraction in this country. Day in, day out, they tirelessly transport the black gold from A to B.
Yet over time, stones in the layers of soil as well as sometimes extreme temperature fluctuations affect the pipelines, which leads to corrosion damages and signs of wear. Good thing WEICON can help in these cases. For we happen to have a top product for wear protection and thus for pipeline repairs: our Plastic Metal WEICON HB 300.
A little bit of pipeline history
- the first successful drilling for oil took place in Pennsylvania in 1859
- the first wooden oil pipeline with a length of eight kilometres was built in 1865 – later steel pipes were used to protect against sabotage
- In 1879, the Tidewater pipeline went into operation as the world’s first long distance oil pipeline – with a length of 175 kilometres
Covering 100 kilometres easily
Repairing a small pipeline is usually not a problem and quickly done. In this case, however, we are not talking about a small leak in the water pipe at home, but about an oil pipeline that is 100 kilometres long and needs to be repaired and freshly coated.
This means the first thing we need is a large amount of coating material for the pipeline repair. In addition, we need a product which adheres to steel, withstands high temperatures during application and curing, and which can be applied quickly.
Our Plastic Metal WEICON HB 300 meets all these requirements. The 1:1 mixing ratio and pasty texture ensure its easy use – even in difficult conditions. And last but not least: our HB 300 is the cost-efficient alternative to expensive replacements.
Pipeline repair in Ecuador
First, our Cleaner Spray S was used for cleaning and degreasing the pipelines. After having done so, almost one tonne of the Plastic Metal was applied to a distance of 100 kilometres of pipeline. Thanks to the 1:1 mixing ratio, the pasty texture and a great deal of manpower, the application was easy and uncomplicated!
After curing, the Plastic Metal provides a smooth surface structure, which is ideal for being covered with an additional protective foil or a subsequent carbon fibre coating.
Now the pipelines are protected against wear and corrosion damages for many years to come!
Advantages of Plastic Metal HB 300 at a glance
- efficient and long-lasting
- easy to use thanks to 1:1 mixing ratio and pasty texture
- no previous experience necessary for its application
- high temperature resistance – withstands ambient temperatures and temperatures of the transported crude oil
If it’s “just” a small pipeline
For emergency repairs on defective and damaged pipes and pipelines, we offer our Pipe-Repair Kit. The kit can be applied without additional tools and seals cracks and leakages permanently and reliably.
Written by Annabelle Kreft
