In demanding sectors like oil and gas, the integrity of every component is vital for safety and efficiency. While large machinery often gets the most attention, labels or overlays play an equally critical role. When exposed to extreme conditions, standard labels can quickly fail, leading to non-compliance, operational errors and serious safety hazards.
For this reason, selecting durable labels and durable graphic overlays is not just a preference.
The Unique Challenges of Harsh Environments
Oil and gas facilities, whether offshore or onshore, present some of the toughest conditions imaginable. Labels and overlays on equipment must withstand a constant assault from multiple factors:
- Extreme Temperatures: Machinery can generate intense heat, while environmental conditions can swing rapidly.
- Chemical Exposure: Spills and splashes of corrosive chemicals, solvents and cleaning agents are common.
- Abrasion and Impact: Equipment is subject to constant vibration, knocks and abrasive particles like sand or grit.
- UV and Weather Exposure: Unrelenting sunlight and harsh weather, especially saltwater spray in marine environments, can cause materials to degrade rapidly.
These factors can cause labels to become unreadable, fade, delaminate or peel off entirely, rendering critical safety warnings and operational data useless.
Best Label Materials for High Heat and Abrasion
Choosing the right material is the first step in creating a label that lasts. Off-the-shelf solutions are rarely up to the task. Instead, specialist materials are required.
For exceptional durability against high heat and physical wear, stainless steel is often the top choice. It is incredibly robust, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures and significant impact. Information can be chemically etched into the surface, creating permanent markings that will not wear away.
Another excellent option is anodised aluminium. This process creates a hard, protective layer that seals printed details beneath the surface. This makes the label highly resistant to abrasion, chemicals and UV rays while offering the flexibility of full-colour printing for clear, vibrant graphics. For control panels and equipment fascia, durable overlays made from robust plastics like polyester and polycarbonate offer superb resilience against repeated use and abrasion.
Solutions for Labelling in Corrosive Environments
Corrosion is a major enemy of legibility of labels in the oil and gas sector. Saltwater spray for off-shore and on-shore inhibitors can eat away at unsuitable materials in a short space of time. This is where specific manufacturing processes become crucial.
Chemically etched stainless steel labels provide one of the most effective solutions for labelling in corrosive environments. The etching process physically removes material to create recessed text and graphics, which can then be infilled with paint for high-contrast visibility. Because the information is etched into the metal itself, it remains legible even if the paint fill wears slightly over time.
Having tailored printing methods for different materials is key to making sure that durability is to a maximum. For example, by sealing the ink beneath a protective outer layer, the graphic is completely shielded from direct contact with corrosive agents, ensuring long-term clarity.
How to Stop Industrial Labels from Fading or Peeling
A durable label is only effective if it stays in place and remains legible. Fading and peeling are common failure points that can be prevented with the right approach.
To address fading, particularly from UV exposure, it’s essential to use materials that have been tested for UV durability. This ensures that safety warnings and vital information do not become washed out and unreadable over time.
Preventing peeling comes down to the fixing method. For ultimate security, especially on vibrating machinery or in extreme weather, mechanical fixings like rivets or screws are the most reliable option, ensuring the label remains permanently affixed to the asset. Proper surface preparation before application is also key to ensuring a strong bond.
Overcoming the challenges of harsh environments requires more than just picking a tough material, it demands a tailored approach. The best solution often involves a specific combination of material, manufacturing process and fixing method designed for your unique operational conditions. Reach out to our technical experts today to revolutionise your durable labels and overlays.