Newsroom - Jul 17, 2024
Protecting Offshore Wind Turbines – Splash Zone Corrosion
Introduction: Offshore Wind Turbine Corrosion Protection
Offshore wind turbines play a crucial role in the global shift towards renewable energy. However, they face significant challenges, especially in the splash zone of their monopiles. This area is highly susceptible to corrosion, which can undermine the structural integrity and lifespan of the turbines. Additionally, the splash zone often experiences ice impact, further increasing the demands on turbine construction. Addressing these issues is essential to ensure the durability and reliability of offshore wind turbines.
Understanding the Wind Turbine Splash Zone Environment
The splash zone is the area of the monopile that is alternately exposed to air and seawater due to tidal fluctuations, wave action and ice impact. This harsh environment promotes accelerated corrosion, including pitting caused by MIC (microbial-induced corrosion), making it crucial to implement effective corrosion protection measures.
Corrosion protection longevity is crucial as any repair activity of the splash zone deals with high risks and arrangement costs. The combination of numerous impact factors makes splash zone corrosion protection one of the most critical engineering tasks.
Challenges of In Situ Corrosion Mitigation
Addressing splash zone corrosion on offshore monopiles in situ poses several challenges. Applying and curing coatings and paints in the harsh offshore environment can be difficult. These systems often need specific environmental conditions and long cure times, making them impractical and costly for offshore applications.
Advanced HVTS: A Superior Solution
Advanced high velocity thermal spray (HVTS) systems offer a superior solution for splash zone corrosion in monopiles. HVTS technology enables the rapid application of corrosion-resistant, high-nobility claddings in situ, providing immediate lasting protection.
Proven Durability and Performance
HVTS claddings have been extensively tested and proven to withstand the corrosive and erosive conditions commonly found in power, energy, and heavy industries. The high-velocity application process ensures excellent adhesion and coverage, creating a durable barrier against corrosion in wind turbines.
Long-term Benefits for Offshore Wind Farms
By utilizing advanced HVTS systems, offshore wind farm operators can effectively combat offshore monopiles splash zone corrosion, extending the life of their assets and reducing maintenance costs. The long-lasting protection provided by HVTS ensures the structural integrity of the monopiles, contributing to the reliability and efficiency of offshore wind turbines.