Pilots
Upstream | Galp 55 - Monitoring Integrity of Polymeric Coatings in Seawater Lines
The Galp 55 project focuses on improving the integrity monitoring of seawater pipelines installed on FPSO topside systems. These pipelines are internally coated with polymeric materials, typically High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), which protects the metal structure from corrosion caused by continuous exposure to seawater.
Over time, the internal polymeric coating may degrade or detach, exposing the underlying metal and increasing the risk of corrosion and structural damage. The project aims to develop a continuous monitoring system capable of detecting and mapping coating degradation and monitoring the potential loss of thickness in the base metal.
To achieve this, together with LNDC and ISQ Brasil, Galp is investigating the use of acoustic emission and electromagnetic sensing technologies to detect internal displacement and degradation of the coating material. Data collected through these sensors is analyzed using advanced algorithms capable of predicting displacement phenomena and identifying potential failure zones.
The project includes several phases, from laboratory experimentation and computational simulations to prototype development and field testing. A monitoring system prototype is being developed and validated in operational environments to assess its performance under real conditions. Adding to this, these tools were tested on an operational FPSO to confirm system performance under real conditions with vibration and noise.
By enabling early detection of coating degradation, the solution aims to improve maintenance planning, reduce operational risks, and minimize downtime in offshore assets. Ongoing advancements are focused on achieving complete tool readiness, preparing for market launch, and ensuring practical use within our production assets.
