Abstract: Methods, products, and systems for monitoring and improving pipeline infrastructure are disclosed. At least one embodiment of the invention comprises a smart-sensing coating, which is applied to one or more interior surfaces of a pipe or pipeline. The coating may comprise a dual-purpose metamaterial, which itself may comprise a plurality of acoustically active and tunable particles that may be embedded in a low-friction, corrosion-resistant, omniphobic polymer matrix. The particles may comprise a multi-layered assembly with a high-density material core, elastic matrix filler, and a stiff outer shell. The particles may further be specifically engineered to form an acoustic band gap at a chosen ultrasound frequency. At this chosen frequency, the particles are very nearly acoustically opaque, preventing the transmission of any and all sound. As such, the position and distribution of the particles inside the pipelines can be clearly distinguished.

Abstract: Electroless underwater metal plating of a surface of fixed or floating structure is accomplished by transferring to the surface metal ions from a metal precursor in a solid or semisolid electrolyte that is pressed against and moved over a submerged surface. Metal ions from a metal salt blended in the solid or semisolid material plate the underwater substrate.

Abstract: A novel omniphobic surface coating is disclosed that provides both high oil-repellency and high-water repellency to the coated surface. The coating may contain perfluoropolyether (PFPE) or a similar fluorinated or perfluorinated polymer, as well as a hardener and a catalyst. One or more surfactants or viscosifiers may also be added. Further, the coating may contain one or more functional additives, including, but not limited to, coloring agents, anti-corrosive agents, anti-fouling agents, water-repellent agents, and/or oil-repellent agents. Methods for formulating the novel omniphobic surface coating are also described. Such methods include preparing a first part of the coating, which may contain, at minimum, a polymer such as PFPE or a similar fluorinated or perfluorinated polymer, and a suitable solvent; preparing a second part of the coating, which is a water-free system that may contain, at minimum, a hardener and a catalyst; and combining the first part and the second part together.

Abstract: A multifunctional coating method involves cleaning a surface, applying a layer of corrosion-resistant alloy coating to the surface, and applying an oleo-hydrophobic composite coating over the corrosion-resistant alloy coating. An oil and gas pipe has an inner surface with a multifunctional coating applied using the multifunctional coating method, and has an inner oleo-hydrophobic composite coating, beneath the inner oleo-hydrophobic composite coating a corrosion-resistant alloy coating, and beneath the corrosion-resistant alloy coating untreated pipe or any other metallic substrate.

Abstract: A multifunctional coating method involves cleaning a surface, applying a layer of corrosion-resistant alloy coating to the surface, and applying an oleo-hydrophobic composite coating over the corrosion-resistant alloy coating. An oil and gas pipe has an inner surface with a multifunctional coating applied using the multifunctional coating method, and has an inner oleo-hydrophobic composite coating, beneath the inner oleo-hydrophobic composite coating a corrosion-resistant alloy coating, and beneath the corrosion-resistant alloy coating untreated pipe or any other metallic substrate.

Abstract: A new system has a plurality of modular segments flexibly attached to one other and a source of electrical power and plating and coating solutions at the rear of the plurality of modular segments. The plurality of modular segments include a drive stage configured to push the plurality of modular segments along a surface, a plating stage configured to apply the plating solution to the surface under a pre-set operating current density to deposit metal or metal alloy onto the surface, a surface treatment application stage configured to apply the coating solution to the surface, and a curing stage configured to cure the coating solution to form a final coating on the surface that is resistant to corrosion, chemical attacks and chemical buildup.