Offshore Platform Applications for Copper-Nickel

Offshore platforms must resist the aggressive action of seawater, waves, weather. The use of 90/10 copper-nickel for seawater piping systems and as sheathing for conductors, legs and diagonals in the splash/tidal zone and below offers opportunities for reduced construction costs and operating maintenance expense over the life of the structure. Results of a two year comparison of piping materials aboard an operating platform compare corrosion and biofouling resistance, including related system economics. Copper-nickel sheathing, the alloy being inherently resistant to marine corrosion and biofouling, can protect offshore platform jackets. Various directly welded as well as insulated copper-nickel systems are discussed. Economic considerations of direct attachment of the copper-nickel versus attachment of insulated copper-nickel panels are presented. Performance of insulated panels on operating platforms is illustrated, and commercial applications to-date is reviewed.