Concrete weight coating for offshore pipelines
MagnaDense is a premium high-density aggregate derived from natural magnetite, responsibly sourced from our mines in Northern Sweden. This ensures consistent quality and a reliable, sustainable supply.
Customers in the offshore pipeline industry use MagnaDense in high-density concrete applied to pipelines as a heavyweight coating. Another subsea pipeline protection method involves the use of concrete mattresses, which also incorporate high-density concrete.
Using our natural mineral in concrete weight coating (CWC) applications enables greater weight to be achieved with less volume. High-density concrete can reduce the required concrete volume by up to 50% compared with standard concrete. Alternatively, it can increase weight by up to 80% while maintaining comparable strength.
Applying offshore pipeline concrete coating
Manufacturers of coated pipelines use two primary techniques to apply heavy concrete coatings:
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Spray applied heavy concrete coating. This method requires the concrete to remain sufficiently fluid for spraying. Adding MagnaDense increases the density while maintaining the workability needed for effective spray application..
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Compression-applied concrete weight coating. In this method, the pipe is coated by rolling heavy concrete onto it using a specialised compression process.
Regardless of the selected method, MagnaDense is suitable for both. The coarse aggregate increases the overall weight of the concrete, ensuring that coated pipelines remain securely positioned on the seabed while providing reliable mechanical protection.
The right heavy concrete mix
When producing high-density concrete for pipeline coatings, MagnaDense replaces traditional aggregates such as sand and gravel, while other mix components remain unchanged. Standard concrete mixing equipment can be used.
Required concrete density depends on factors such as pipeline diameter and water depth. Typical densities for offshore pipeline coatings range from 3.04 to 3.4 t/m³.
Your LKAB Minerals sales manager can advise on the optimal combination of MagnaDense grades for your specific project. A dedicated brochure with concrete weight coating case studies is available upon request.
Key benefits:
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Reliable anti-buoyancy and pipeline stability
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High density with reduced coating thickness
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Enhanced strength and long-term durability
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Reduced risk of cracking and deformation
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Stable under high-pressure conditions
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Strong mechanical protection against external forces
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Efficient processing with high filler loading
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Compatible with standard coating methods
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Consistent quality and lifecycle performance
Global availability and offshore pipeline projects
LKAB Minerals has supplied MagnaDense to numerous offshore pipeline coating projects worldwide. With owned mines in Northern Sweden and a global distribution network, we ensure a consistent and reliable supply of high-quality dense aggregates throughout the year.
This guarantees uninterrupted production of concrete weight-coated pipes at your preferred location.
Selected projects using MagnaDense:
Contact your local salesperson for the project brochures, datasheets, or to discuss how MagnaDense can support your next offshore pipeline project.
