Corrosion Protection for Land and Underwater Pipelines

Josh Price, president of Onyx Services in Texas, oversees the company’s work within the energy sector. Under Josh Price’s leadership, Onyx has become known for its corrosion protection services for land and underwater pipelines, including sandblasting, painting, and coating.

As more and more oil and gas moves through pipelines, proper coatings have become essential to stopping corrosion and preventing leaks and other failures. These coatings can be divided into five categories:

- Asphalt enamel coatings are the preferred protection for steel pipelines moving fluids at temperatures not exceeding 158 degrees Fahrenheit.

- Polyurethane coatings stand up well to acid rain, ultraviolet radiation, salt water, and inclement weather. They are often employed in both shallow and deep water.

- Three-layer polyethylene coatings adhere well to steel surfaces. Their strong protection against mechanical and chemical stresses and temperature changes make them ideal for land and water environments.

- Three-layer polypropylene coatings incorporate copolymer adhesives, which have superior bonding qualities. These coatings are meant for extreme conditions and high temperatures.

- Fusion-bonded epoxy powder coatings work well for both the pipeline’s interior and exterior surfaces. They protect against corrosion caused by electrochemical reactions between saltwater and metal.

The Role of the Operations Manager

As president of Onyx Services in New Caney, Texas, Josh Price directs many pipeline protection services for customers in the oil and gas industry. Prior to heading Onyx, Josh Price served as an operations manager for an inspection diving contractor, developing skills that he builds upon in his present position.

Operations managers play an essential role in meeting production deadlines and assuring quality control. The position’s chief responsibilities also include:

- Budgetary oversight. The operations manager examines line items in order to reduce costs. He or she looks for lower equipment prices, savings in the production process, and more cost-efficient contracts, as well as evaluates expenses in the supply chain.

- Internal communications. Many problems arise when departments lack awareness of each others’ activities. Operations managers liaise with department leaders to work together toward company goals.

- Customer service. Managers study customer complaints as they relate to quality issues in production. They investigate problems and communicate solutions to the appropriate staff.

- Support services. Operations managers work with providers of information technology, administrative, procurement, and financial services, ensuring they contribute to the company’s efficiency and profitability.