Stopaq Case Study - Georgia (the country)

 Case Study: Protecting Piping in a Challenging Environment in Georgia

When you think of Georgia, you probably picture sunny orchards filled with peaches. But today, we’re talking about a different Georgia—one that borders the Black Sea. And let me tell you, this environment is far from the idyllic, peach-filled imagery that usually comes to mind. The corrosion challenges in this region are, to put it lightly, brutal.

The unique combination of salt, high chloride content, soil stresses, and the usual suspects of corrosion issues make this an incredibly challenging area for any type of pipeline or infrastructure protection. These environmental factors can quickly accelerate wear and tear, requiring a solution that not only works efficiently but also holds up over time in tough conditions.

The Solution: Stopaq Coatings

For this particular project, a range of Stopaq products were selected to provide comprehensive protection for both the buried and above-ground sections of the piping. Here’s what was used:

• Stopaq Wrappingband: A protective wrapping for buried pipelines to shield them from the corrosive forces of the soil and water.

• Stopaq Outerwrap: An additional layer of protection for enhanced durability, especially against physical damage.

• Stopaq Outerglass Shield: Provides a reinforced layer of protection to prevent wear and tear from external factors.

• UV Stable Topcoat: To ensure that the above-ground piping was protected from the sun's UV rays, preventing degradation over time.

One of the most impressive aspects of this project was the minimal disruption to the existing system. The lines didn’t need to be shut down at any point, which kept things running smoothly. Surface preparation was kept to a minimum, and importantly, no primers or curable products were required for the application.

In terms of time, the application was remarkably fast. Once the coatings were applied, the backfilling process happened immediately. The ease and speed of this process meant that there was virtually no downtime for the system—an ideal scenario when you need to maintain continuous operations.

The finished product? Well, the coating not only looks great (even if my photos could use a higher resolution), but it also provides long-lasting protection. With the harsh conditions of the Black Sea region, ensuring a strong barrier against corrosion is critical for maintaining infrastructure integrity.

This case study is a perfect example of how the right materials and technologies can be used to tackle even the most challenging corrosion environments. In areas where corrosion risks are high, it’s crucial to rely on reliable and efficient solutions to ensure long-term protection—and that’s exactly what this project achieved.

If you're facing similar challenges in your own projects, consider how Stopaq’s advanced coating systems can help extend the life of your pipelines and reduce maintenance costs in tough environments.

What challenges have you faced when protecting infrastructure in harsh environments? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!