Seawater Intake Pump & Riser Repair: Desalination Plant, Australia

11th October 2024

Industry: Water
Location: Australia
Application: Marine Repair
Products: 101 Metal Repair Paste, 203 Super Flow

The Challenge

A desalination plant in Australia was experiencing performance issues caused by corrosion and erosion of a Torishima seawater intake pump and 18-metre carbon steel pipe risers. The equipment, exposed to constant seawater flow and harsh environmental conditions, had developed extensive pitting and material loss. The client needed a durable, long term solution that could rebuild the damaged surfaces and protect them from further deterioration, without requiring costly replacement or lengthy shutdowns.

The Application

The entire system was thoroughly cleaned to remove contaminants and salt deposits. Abrasive blasting was then carried out to SSPC SP10/NACE 2 (ISO 8504-1 SA 2.5) standards, using non-ferrous aggregate on stainless steel components to prevent contamination. The surface profile allowed for effective bonding of both rebuilding and protective materials.

Pitted and worn sections were rebuilt using 101 Metal Repair Paste, applied to restore the structural profile of both the pump and the pipe risers. Once cured, the areas were machined to achieve a smooth, accurate finish. To complete the refurbishment, two coats of 203 Super Flow were applied at 250 microns per coat using both brush and roller. The result was a dense, solvent free barrier designed to withstand erosion, corrosion, and continuous seawater exposure.

The Solution

This targeted repair system extended the life of both the pump and risers without the need for component replacement. The products were chosen for their proven performance in marine and process water applications, and their compatibility with stainless and carbon steel surfaces. The non-invasive application method enabled the work to be completed within scheduled maintenance windows, without hot work or special ventilation requirements.