Thermal Spray Coatings for Saltwater Applications
With a rich history extending over a century, Metallisation Ltd stands as an exclusive UK manufacturer and global supplier of cutting edge thermal and metal spray equipment – designed for the application of thermal barrier coatings for sea and saltwater applications.
How Do Thermal Spray Coatings Protect Against Saltwater Corrosion?
Thermal spray coatings significantly improve the durability and performance of structures and equipment exposed to sea and saltwater. Exposed areas can be sprayed with zinc or aluminium to shield the base material from direct exposure to corrosive agents, helping to reduce the risk of rust and corrosion.
How Long Will a Coating Last?
A thermal spray coating will typically last 10-20 years depending on the material used and how harsh the environment is. See our corrosion protection coatings chart for a better understanding on lifetime resistance.
What are the Advantages of Thermal Spraying?
- Prolongs the life of marine assets, especially those which are routinely immersed in seawater
- Improves the efficiency and performance of marine engines and equipment
- Doesn’t cause distortion to parts during the coating process
- Zinc or aluminium coatings can be applied at virtually any desired thickness
- Acts as a corrosion resistant barrier that protects the underlying metal surface from water, acids, chlorides, and other contaminants
- Reduces heat transfer
Applications of Thermal Spray Coatings in Marine and Shipping Environments
Thermal spray coatings are utilised across a broad range of marine applications including:
Ships, Trawlers and Fishing Boats
Metallisation’s Arc Spray equipment is regularly used within the shipping industry to protect ships and trawlers from corrosion.
The coatings are used to protect hulls, decks, and other critical components from corrosion and wear. This protection is vital for maintaining the structural integrity and safety of the vessel.
Offshore Structures
For offshore oil rigs and wind farms, thermal spray coatings safeguard against the severe conditions found at sea. Components such as pipelines, turbines, and platforms all benefit from corrosion protection and reduced maintenance costs.
Ports and Harbours
Equipment and structures in ports and harbours, including cranes, piers, and mooring posts, are continuously exposed to saltwater. Thermal spray coatings protect these assets, ensuring they remain operational and safe.
Case Studies
Off Shore Oil Platform Protected by Thermal Sprayed Aluminium (TSA) Coating Solution
Reason for use: Long term corrosion protection of offshore oil platform structure. Metallisation customer, Gardwell Coatings Limited, based in East Anglia, has applied Thermal Sprayed Aluminium (TSA) to an offshore oil platform to protect the structure from corrosion, using Metallisation MK73 flame spray equipment.
Metallisation Equipment Protecting Fishing Boats
Reason for use: Parkol Marine Engineering, based in Whitby, has recently applied a thermal sprayed zinc coating to a new whitefish trawler, the Resilient LK195, to protect it from corrosion.
Deflected Flame Extension used on RNLI Launch Carriers
Reason for use: Corrosion protection.
Protecting Ships and Trawlers from Corrosion
Reason for use: The anti-corrosive properties of the metal spraying process are widely recognised in the shipping and marine industry. Metal or thermal spraying is a technology, which protects or extends the life of a wide variety of structures in the most hostile environments and in situations where coatings are vital for safety and performance