As part of the NFS BOG QatarGas project, a 475-liter stainless steel accumulator was designed and manufactured for a demanding industrial application: integration into a lubrication unit. This accumulator, produced according to the highest international standards, combines mechanical robustness, enhanced corrosion resistance, and full regulatory compliance, including the ASME VIII Div. 1 U-Designator Certification Mark and National Board registration.
Role of the Accumulator in a Lubrication System
In a lubrication unit, the accumulator plays an essential role in stabilizing and ensuring the continuity of oil supply. It acts as a buffer tank that:
- Absorbs pressure fluctuations within the lubrication circuit
- Compensates for demand peaks, especially during start-ups or cycle transitions
- Ensures immediate fluid availability in the event of a temporary decrease in pump flow
- Helps dampen pulsations and protect sensitive system components
- Maintains the minimum required pressure level, even during momentary supply interruptions
Its integration therefore guarantees the reliability and continuity of lubrication—critical for the safe operation of rotating machinery in the oil & gas sector.
An Accumulator Designed for Oil & Gas Requirements
316/316L Dual-Certified Stainless Steel
The accumulator is manufactured from 316/316L dual-marked stainless steel, ensuring:
- Excellent corrosion resistance in saline or aggressive environments
- Full compatibility with international material traceability requirements
- Reduced risk of intergranular corrosion thanks to its low-carbon content
Design and Engineering Calculations
The equipment benefits from comprehensive engineering calculations:
- Design according to ASME VIII Div. 1, ensuring compliance with pressure vessel requirements
- Seismic verification to guarantee structural integrity in dynamic loading environments
These calculations ensure the equipment’s reliability under its specified operating conditions.
Non-Destructive Examination
To guarantee the highest level of quality, the accumulator underwent extensive inspections:
- 100% liquid penetrant testing to verify the absence of surface defects
- SPOT inspections according to code z = 0.85
- PMI (Positive Material Identification) on key components to confirm strict material compliance
- Complete dimensional, visual, and documentation checks for the ASME manufacturer’s data report
Enhanced Corrosion Protection – TSA & Paint System
TSA Coating (Thermal Spray Aluminium)
The accumulator features a premium anticorrosion treatment: TSA – Thermal Spray Aluminium. This technology consists of applying molten aluminum by projection, forming a uniform, strongly adherent metallic layer.
TSA provides several major advantages:
- Long-lasting cathodic protection, even if the coating is scratched
- Exceptional resistance in offshore or marine-exposed environments
- Longer service life compared to traditional paint systems
- Low long-term maintenance and reduced life-cycle cost
This coating is widely used in the oil & gas industry for critical equipment operating in severe conditions, making it an ideal choice for Qatar, where humidity and salinity impose high anticorrosion requirements.
Client-Specified Paint System
On top of the TSA layer, a specific multilayer paint system was applied in accordance with the client’s exact requisition. This TSA + paint combination creates a synergistic protection system: TSA provides underlying electrochemical protection, while the paint system ensures sealing, UV resistance, and the final aesthetic finish. Applying paint on stainless steel previously metal-sprayed requires specialized expertise to ensure proper adhesion and compatibility of successive layers.
The paint system provides:
- Additional protection against abrasion and chemical exposure
- An aesthetic finish consistent with the project’s color code
- Enhanced durability thanks to the TSA + paint combination
This technical solution represents the highest level of anticorrosion protection for pressure equipment in offshore and petrochemical environments.
An Accumulator Built to Last
With its ASME-compliant design, dual-certified stainless steel construction, rigorous NDE/PMI inspections, and high-performance anticorrosion protection combining TSA and specialized paint, this 475-liter accumulator meets the highest requirements of international projects.
Its design ensures not only the safety and reliability of the lubrication system, but also optimal service life in a demanding industrial environment such as Qatar.
