Seawater Pump Protection in a Nuclear Plant: A Case Study

6th November 2024

At a nuclear power plant in Zhejiang Province, China, the casing of a recycling seawater pump exhibited extensive corrosion and pitting due to prolonged exposure to harsh marine conditions. This damage threatened the pump’s operational efficiency and reliability, emphasising the need for a robust seawater pump protection solution to restore functionality and prevent further degradation. The customer sought a long term repair method capable of withstanding the plant’s demanding environment and ensuring consistent performance.

Resimac’s Seawater Pump Protection Solution

Fill corrosion holes and pitted areas with 201 Ceramic Repair Paste.
Apply two coats of 202 Ceramic Repair Fluid for abrasion and corrosion resistance.

Application Details

The pump casing was prepared through abrasive blasting to ISO 8501/4 SA 2.5 (SSPC SP10/NACE 2) standards, achieving a 75-micron angular profile to optimise coating adhesion. After blasting, MEK was used to clean and degrease the surface, ensuring no contaminants remained. Pitted areas and corrosion holes were meticulously repaired using 201 Ceramic Repair Paste, restoring structural integrity and creating a solid foundation for the protective coating.

Two coats of 202 Ceramic Repair Fluid were applied using brush techniques to ensure complete coverage. Each layer was applied at a nominal thickness of 350 microns, forming a durable, erosion resistant barrier. This multi-layered system provided enhanced protection against the abrasive and corrosive effects of seawater, extending the pump’s operational lifespan under demanding conditions.

Products Used

Results and Benefits

The multi-layered protective system restored the pump casing’s structural integrity and ensured long lasting durability in a challenging environment. By addressing corrosion damage and applying a robust coating, the repair reduced future wear and tear, maintained pump efficiency, and minimised downtime. The cost effective solution extended the pump’s lifespan and reduced maintenance requirements, showcasing Resimac’s ability to deliver reliable protection for critical equipment in the nuclear industry.