TPi May 2019

Selecting the optimal material for hydraulic and instrumentation systems in marine environments By Jonas Höwing, technical marketing specialist, Sandvik Materials Technology (MENA), Sweden

Hydraulic and instrumentation (H&I) systems can consist of many kilometres of high-grade stainless steel, nickel-base or copper alloy tubing, in many marine offshore applications. These vital installations consist of tubes connected with precision-made fittings, and represent high investment. Unsurprisingly, operators are keen to use cost-effective materials, but they cannot afford to compromise on installation quality and equipment lifetime.

Marine and coastal environments are rich with commercial opportunities: offshore oil, gas extraction and renewable energy, to name a few. However, the presence of sea spray and salt deposits presents a risk of degradation and failure of stainless steel components, resulting in costly maintenance and downtime. Jonas Höwing, technical marketing specialist for Sandvik Materials Technology (MENA), outlines the challenges of using stainless steel for hydraulic and instrumentation systems in marine environments, drawing on recent investigations to suggest material solutions.

Corrosion: the key challenge in marine environments

For H&I installations in non-marine conditions, stainless steel type 316L (UNS S31603) is a popular choice as it generally

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TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL May 2019

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