Seawater Pipe Protection: A Case Study

5th December 2024

During an inspection, sections of the seawater transportation pipes, including bends and junction pieces, from a container transporter vessel were found to have extensive corrosion and erosion. Due to the critical role these pipes play in the vessel’s seawater intake system, immediate replacement was scheduled. The new pipe sections required durable, long term seawater pipe protection to prevent future corrosion. Given the harsh marine environment, effective protection was essential for the longevity of the new components.

Resimac’s Seawater Pipe Protection Solution

The new mild steel substrate was abrasive grit blasted to SA2.5 (ISO 8501) with a 75-micron angular profile, creating an ideal surface for optimal coating adhesion.
Two coats of 501 ARXL were applied using brushes and rollers, each coat providing a nominal thickness of 450 microns, ensuring long term protection against corrosion and erosion.

Application Details for Marine Pipe Protection

The new pipe sections were prepared by abrasive grit blasting to achieve the specified surface profile, ensuring that the coating would adhere properly and provide long term seawater pipe protection. The internal surfaces were then coated with two layers of 501 ARXL by hand, using brushes and rollers. This process ensured even coverage, with each coat applied to a nominal thickness of 450 microns. The protective coating offered strong resistance against corrosion, particularly in the bends and junction areas, which are more vulnerable to damage due to fluid dynamics.

Products Used

501 ARXL – Abrasion Resistant Grade

Results and Benefits

The application of 501 ARXL offered robust and comprehensive protection for the seawater transportation pipes, ensuring long term durability in harsh marine environments. This high performance coating system significantly reduced the risk of future corrosion and erosion, safeguarding the vessel’s critical piping system. By extending the operational lifespan of the pipes, the solution minimised maintenance needs and prevented costly replacements. Additionally, this durable coating led to greater operational efficiency, saving both time and resources for the vessel’s operators.