ConocoPhillips: Tank Top - Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) Application
Ceramic Coating system used to solve issues with corrosion on tank top generates specification on coatings to prevent CUI, ensure long-term insulation performance and provide visual inspection throughout ConocoPhillips.
This tank top at the ConocoPhillips refinery at Ferndale, WA had suffered significant damage from corrosion under insulation (CUI). The application of ceramic insulation coating at 80 mils (2 mm) thickness was for heat retention of the tank’s 180F heavy oil contents together with personnel protection.
Heat retention for this type of application has been measured at 50-60% efficiency, based on reduction of heating costs to maintain tank contents temperatures. Based partly on the results of this application, ConocoPhillips has generated a specification for use of ceramic insulation coating to prevent corrosion under insulation, to ensure long-term insulation performance and to provide visual inspection.
