We recently won a contract  to provide corrosion repair for the Ministry of Defence (M.O.D). Corrosion protection was required for 2 stoplog gates, 53 brackets and 2 column pipes. The equipment would be subject to salt-water conditions at ambient temperatures, therefor the coating system used, required excellent resistance under aggressive immersed conditions.

With this in mind, our Corrocoat Polyglass VEF coating system was recommended for all of the external components, due to its superb performance properties in immersed environments. Polyglass VEF boasts excellent resistance to solvents, acids and de-mineralised water, as well as exceptional flexibility undercutting resistance and sliding abrasion resistance, making it an ideal coating system for the job.

Firstly, the bronze trim and any areas not requiring coating application were masked to be protected. Abrasive blasting of external surfaces in accordance with ISO 8501 – 1 Sa 2½ surface cleanliness was carried out to achieve a minimum surface profile of 50 microns. A final blow down, sweep and thorough vacuum clean was then completed to remove any dust and finish the preparation of the equipment ahead of coating application.

Polyglass VEF (black) was applied to the minimum DFT to 1250 microns to all of the internal surfaces. This was done via airless spray with relative humidity <85% and steel temperature 3°C or greater than the moisture dew point. A single coat of Plasmet ZF was applied to the externals of the two column pipes, and thickness testing and spark test at 17kv, following the adequate cure of the coating.

The team exceeded the client’s expectations completing the project and reinstalling the gates ahead of the agreed schedule. As a result of the corrosion repair for the M.O.D, the service life of the equipment is estimated to have been extended greatly.