Mark Merritt, North American Sales Manager at Endura Paint, explained during a recent interview at the NISTM show how the company promotes the use of carbon fiber composite as a structural solution for repairing leaks and restoring damaged equipment in harsh environments. This material is applied to corroded surfaces, such as tanks and pipes, and restores the structure to its original specifications without the need for welding or metal replacement.
Endura Paint, a Canadian company with a presence throughout North America since 1966, has evolved from a supplier focused exclusively on the petroleum sector to offering solutions for a wide range of industries, including water treatment, OEM and general manufacturing. In this transition, its line of structural composites has gained prominence for its ability to replace traditional steel in critical repairs.
High-strength structural bonding
The technique consists of wrapping the affected surface with carbon fiber saturated with an epoxy coating developed by Endura. This resin provides adhesion of up to 3,000 pounds per square inch on carbon steel, creating a solid, durable coating capable of withstanding extreme conditions. Once cured, the repair can achieve up to 50 years of service life without compromising the integrity of the equipment.
To ensure the aesthetic finish and protect the application against UV radiation and degradation, an urethane coating is added as a final coating. This varnish maintains the color and gloss of the equipment, although periodic repainting may be required, especially in exposed environments.
From highways to oil pipelines
Although the use of carbon fiber composites is not new, having been used for decades in bridges and roads, especially in seismic zones such as California, its foray into the oil sector faces resistance from engineers accustomed to steel repairs. Merritt commented that many engineers have worked their entire careers specifying steel and welding for repairs, and find it difficult to accept a non-metallic alternative.
To overcome this resistance, Endura actively promotes its technology through industry trade shows, engineering briefings and technical training in the field. Its goal is to demonstrate with data and success stories that composites not only match, but in many cases surpass steel in durability, weight and ease of application.
Growth with technical and commercial vision
In addition to technological innovation, Endura has extended its infrastructure through its own stores and alliances in North America, including its subsidiary Polyglass Coatings in Texas. From there they offer color formulation, product mixing and specialized technical support, strengthening their response capacity for industrial customers.
In Merritt’s words, the company seeks to move proven technology from civil infrastructure to an environment that still operates with conventional methods, but requires more sustainable solutions with less operational impact.
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Source: Inspenet.
