Flange Protection Using Self-Locking Corrugated Polypropylene Sheets in the Oil and Gas Industry

Abstract

The protection of flanges with self-locking corrugated polypropylene sheets in the oil and gas industry is an innovation aimed at ensuring the integrity of equipment exposed to adverse environmental and operational conditions during storage at construction sites. The main objective of this project is to develop an effective solution for flange protection using this material that ensures the reduction of mechanical damage and corrosion in severe environments. Additionally, it aims to minimize operational costs by reducing the frequency of maintenance and component replacements, enhance operational safety by mitigating risks of accidents related to handling and structural failures of flanges, provide greater efficiency in the installation and removal of protections to make inspection processes more agile and practical, and contribute to sustainability by developing a product that combines chemical and mechanical resistance with lower environmental impact. Flanges, used to connect pipelines and other components, are susceptible to corrosion and mechanical damage, compromising the safety and performance of installations. This material provides an effective barrier against corrosive agents, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and extending the lifespan of systems. This research employed a bibliographic review of scientific and technical literature on corrugated polypropylene sheets, automated cutting technologies, and occupational safety standards, with the goal of supporting the feasibility of the proposed solution. Field analysis was conducted through direct observations and interviews with workers at GranService, aiming to identify bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement in the sheet-cutting process, using tools such as Ishikawa diagrams and SWOT analysis. These protective covers are lightweight, easy to install and remove, providing practicality in component inspection and replacement, thus speeding up maintenance processes and improving operational safety. Additionally, this type of protection has high chemical and mechanical resistance, making it an economical and environmentally friendly solution for the industry, where asset protection is crucial for the continuity of operations and cost reduction.