Champion Environmental Technologies - Environmentally Friendly, Antifouling Non-Toxic Subsea Markers, Labels, Nameplates and Oilfield RFID Signage

Champion Environ is the market leader in the design and manufacture of non-toxic antifouling subsea markers – Aquasign®, the industry’s number one choice in subsea signage. Champion Environ has used the expertise gained from the supply of Aquasign antifouling underwater markers to develop their manufacturing capabilities to answer all forms of oilfield signage requirements from Surface to Seabed™.

Antifouling non-toxic underwater markers

Aquasign is a non-toxic modified silicone polymer. Aquasign offers an environmentally friendly approach to antifouling, providing exceptional long-lasting resistance to all forms of marine growth, making it the premier choice for subsea marking.

Aquasign uses silicone’s hydrophobic surface energy to prevent fouling at the earliest stage. In addition Aquasign’s chemistry incorporates non-toxic proprietary oils that exude continually to maintain the markers slippery surface, providing a secondary antifouling action.

Subsea label design and manufacture

Aquasign subsea labels enhance efficiency and safety subsea by providing highly visible identification, orientation and positional markings for all types of subsea hardware.

Environmentally friendly underwater markers for subsea applications

Aquasign’s design and wide variety of fixing methods has resulted in use on over 800 oil and gas projects over the past three decades. Aquasign can be applied to all subsea assets, examples include:

• Positional markings - valves, chokes, actuators
• Orientation markings – jackets / rigs / platforms, manifolds, concrete-based gravity structures (CBGS)
• Identification marking - umbilicals, jumpers, risers

Subsea adhesives for underwater markers

Aquasign can be applied to both flat and cylindrical surfaces using Champion Environ’s wide variety of fixing methods, adhesive being the most common. Historically Sabaplast™5836 was utilised to secure Aquasign’s in place, this was replaced with Aquahesive™5836 in 2006. Both materials were polyurethane based and were supplied as two-part kits.

As part of Champion Environ’s commitment to their environmental credentials a non-toxic, more user-friendly material was introduced in 2010 – Biohesive® 225.

Tailored mechanical fixings

Tailored mechanical fixings such as bolt-on, strapped and spring clips are available. Aquasign can also be installed subsea, i.e. retro-fitted using either traditional bolt-on or strapping fixing. Alternatively subsea adhesive and/or magnets can be used to secure the Aquasign in place.

Oilfield signage equipment

As well as offering underwater signage, Champion Environ can also supply solutions for topside applications.

Champion Environ have invested heavily in state-of-the-art equipment and use a wide range of materials that meet or exceed specifications requirements for even the harshest of environments. Equipment utilised to produce fully customised designed nameplates, labels and safety signs include:

• Rotary / laser engravers
• Waterjet
• Digital printer
• Chemical etcher

Continuous subsea marker system development

Champion has built on the original Shell and Seamark™ innovations with the latest formula improvement, launched in 2006, having unmatched longevity and performance* in the market place.

* Based on independent raft testing concluded between 1999 and 2006.

The decision to bring manufacturing in-house from 2005 has allowed us to modernise both processes and equipment, which have enabled our long-term customers to achieve substantial savings. Recent developments include:

Aquasign-Solis® – UV stable range. Traditional Aquasign uses fluorescent pigments which when exposed to sunlight will fade if not suitably protected. On larger structures the installation of covers can lead to HSE concerns. Aquasign-Solis removes the requirement for covers offering stable colourants both in and out of the water.

Shield™ - New fixing range offering additional protection from for markers installed in intervention locations. Heat-welded HDPE shields are encompassed around the Aquasign to provide greater protection from impact.

Oilfield RFID – Champion Environ has worked closely with a number of leading oilfield RFID / barcode manufacturers to ensure all our product ranges can support these technologies.

Subsea nameplate design services

Champion Environ’s customer service and technical design teams can offer advice on the most appropriate material and fixing for your project. On-site assistance, training and supervision can be provided.