Mohamed Abdel Wahab

Title : Novel application of quartz mineral in producing blasting abrasive for surface preparation of petroleum facilities

Abstract:

The surface preparation of petroleum production facilities/ structure is required using a suitable abrasive material to remove the rust layer and open a new surface profile before applying the protective paint layer. The abrasive materials are classified into metallic and non-metallic abrasive. This research focusing on nonmetallic abrasive (Quartz), which produced by selecting the quartz containing crystalline silica (Free silica) not more than 1% as per safety international regulation. Main factors control the selecting an abrasive include; type of surface to be cleaned, steel structure shape, type of contamination to be removed, surface cleanliness degree, surface profile, hardness, conductivity and soluble chloride level of the abrasive types, recycling of the abrasive and hazards emission. Egypt is possessing a large quantities of quartz types and grades. The assessment techniques to evaluate the quality of the quartz “nonmetallic abrasive” incorporated laboratory and field application tests; includes physical properties (specific gravity, moisture content, pH value, particle size distribution, conductivity, oil content, Hardness), chemical analysis and field application tests. The chemical analysis indicate that the SiO₂ is 99.5 %, free silica content is less than safety regulation 0.57%, surface cleanliness ranges between Sa 2½ to Sa 3, surface profile around 75 um, dust level less than rate 2, water soluble chloride salt on blasted surface is 20 µg/cm² and the conductivity of quartz solution less than 100 µS/cm, also the quartz abrasive gives a good productivity. The obtained results represent the excellent properties of nonmetallic abrasive media and comply with surface preparation and painting specification of petroleum sector. The local quartz abrasive has a superior advantage of quality and price in compare with the imported abrasive type, the prequalification of quartz abrasive indicates the very good results complying with petroleum specification and international standard (ASTM, ISO & BS). The new abrasive material was utilized in ANOPIC project.

Audience Takeaway Notes:

• The petroleum companies use abrasive materials in metal surface preparation to remove the rust layer and create an anchor before the application of protective paints for on/off shore production facilities. The precipitating materials are imported with hard currency that is a burden on the project balance. Due to lack of supply chains of abrasive materials, most of running petroleum construction project are delayed. the local replacement of quartz abrasive material shall be easier, faster and less expensive and performs the same quality required in processing of metal surfaces.
• The local quartz abrasive shall facilitate the progress of construction and maintenance work of blasting and painting of refinery plants and save a hard currency.
• Of course, this research will help the facility to use this research and looking for the local resources as substitute of imported material to develop the local GPD.
• Yes, this research provides a practical solution for petroleum companies as in the period of the coronavirus and the Ukrainian-Russian War prices raised and supply chains were disrupted and thus the impact on the implementation of the petroleum projects. The local solution to find the appropriate materials to avoid the stumbling of supply chains and the provision of the necessary screw materials for the operations of blasting and painting operation for petroleum facilities as well as the provision of foreign currency. Accordingly, the designer can take in his consideration the time and plan of project completion.
• Local material with a huge quantity and high quality.
  The mining /cursing process is available.
  Physical, chemical and mechanical properties verify the required specification of blasting and painting process.
  Price is low in comparing with the imported garnet abrasive.
  Quartz abrasive productivity is very good.
  Environmentally friendly.
  Promotion the mining operation.
  Save the project time schedule and money.
  Improve and develop the local GPD.

Biography:

Prof. Mohamed Abdel Wahab is a full professor and academic staff in the Exploration Department, Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt. He studied Geology at the Al Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt and Graduated as MS in 1995, Ph.D. in 2000. He works in PETROJET company since 1989 till 1994, then he joined the Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute in 1995 till now. He obtained the full professor at EPRI in 2021. He published 22 research articles. He is currently the Supervisor of the XRF laboratory at Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute. He worked as a Consultant, QA/QC Coating/painting Engineer at the Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute and Overseas Petroleum Companies (UAE, Qatar, KSA, Oman, Libya), from 2000 to 2013.