nuclear

THE "EPOXY BARRIER RIP-OFF"
A recent report on the internet from Australasia reports that epoxy barrier sealing using outdated products is a "rip off". The report highlights the fact that epoxies used in the yacht skin sealing process are low quality but the end user pays a high price for the word 'epoxy' and so does the environment. BIOSEAL is the new Solvent free single coat epoxy underwater hull protection, that can be rolled on in a 10 mils single coat. This provides a moisture barrier to guard against blistering (Osmosis). There are NO dangerous fumes and a dry film thickness equal to what you actually apply. The end result is a smooth slick finish. All that is needed is a light sanding prior to applying your choice of antifouling.

COMMERCIAL HULL PROTECTION - A NEW TREATMENT
During June 1998, underwater divers surveyed the hull of a large water intake barge. The ultrasonic testing showed that plate thickness ranged between 0.360 and 0.380 of an inch, with reduced wall thickness (0.005 - 0.010) on the Starboard side. Rust nodules were found over the entire submerged surface of the hull, concentrated near the bow at a frequency of 12 - 17/m2. Pitting was found under the rust nodules with a depth between 1/16" to 1/8". Several inches of water were found in the bilge and it was believed that at least some of the leakage was caused by pinhole perforations of the hull at pitting corrosion sites. There was enough concern for immediate action to be taken, but the barge is permanently moored and cannot be dry docked. An underwater coating repair would be attempted in the hope that it would arrest corrosion and plug any pin hole leaks. Divers first cleaned the hull using a 3,500 p.s.i. pressure washer. This was followed by a mechanical surface preparation to SP11 using a 3M Clean N' Strip to remove any remaining corrosion and to roughen the surface around the pitting. BIOFIX was selected as the surface coating and applied at 40 - 50 mls to approximately 500 different areas of the hull. The work was performed by divers in a 1 knot current, with a water temperature of 50 degrees F. Visibility was approximately 2 feet. After the BIOFIX coating was fully cured the main compartment was sealed and pressure tested to 5 p.s.i. and no pressure loss was detected over 30 minutes. Subsequent inspections indicate that there has been no ingress.

PROTECTION FROM THE TIDES & ELEMENTS
This new product has been developed to protect surfaces, particularly in the areas between tides where the hydraulic action of tide and wind can damage and degrade. It is ideal for sea walls, wooden, concrete and steel piles, and many other areas around Marina's, Docks and Harbours. The two part product can be easily mixed and applied as a protective coating from high water downwards. For severe corrosion, shot blasting of damaged surfaces found between tides is recommended prior to application. IES-251 can be applied by roller or plural component sprayer. Applications completed so far date back more than 3 years without the requirement for re-coating or further corrosion taking place. One Oil discharge terminal at the end of a 1 mile concrete pier built onto steel pilings was found to be suffering severe corrosion at waterline height. Repairs were made by divers applying IES-251 by brush. These remain in excellent condition, protecting tidal and underwater surfaces.