SAIMENA joins forces with IZA on zinc coatings for ships
SAIMENA is the professional body driving the growth and upskilling of the South African marine engineering sector, and is working hard to bring new and advanced expertise to the fingertips of the marine engineering profession.
“We continue to advance and promote maritime engineering knowhow and continuous development for marine engineers, ship repair engineers and designers. Working with professional bodies such as IZA enhances our capability,” comments Rear Admiral (JG) Kevin Watson (ret), President of SAIMENA.
Zinc thermal spraying can be applied to a variety of steel ships, from trawlers to warships, fast patrol boats and fisheries patrol boats. This includes superstructures, fittings and onboard steelwork which after zinc thermal spraying can be further coated by the application of a zinc rich primer and an epoxy coat to give a superb long lasting duplex coating system.
The advantage of zinc thermal spraying is that it is possible to apply zinc coatings of varying thickness but typically to about 100 microns. Spraying allows the thickness of the coating to be controlled and varied, even on different areas of the same structure and/or parts.
Thermal spraying makes it possible to apply zinc coatings to structures and components that are too large for hot-dip galvanizing or have to be zinc coated in situ. The metal coating is laid down in a single application. Zinc coatings also have excellent adhesion to steel and resistance to abrasion, enabling the structure to withstand rough usage. However, most of all they provide a barrier to the environment and offer galvanic protection to the steel.
All grades of steel, including highly alloyed steels, can be thermal spray coated. Spraying does not affect the metallurgical structure of the steel. Since zinc adheres and coats instantly, no drying time is needed. Designated top coating operations can start immediately, whereas paint systems in comparable categories might require days for cure.
In terms of lifecycle costs, Norton explains that the initial coating application costs are minimal compared to the maintenance costs over the life of the structure. Continuous maintenance is not required with a properly applied zinc thermal sprayed coating. A single application provides excellent corrosion protection, including areas where minor mechanical damage may have exposed the steel. Further application of organic epoxy top coats makes for an outstanding corrosion protection system.
The IZA’s collaboration with SAIMENA forms part of a long-term strategy to promote the advanced upskilling of South African engineers, the growth of the local maritime industry, as well as increasing the uptake of zinc in industry, where its primary application is for the corrosion protection of steel. Since the closure of the country’s only zinc refinery in 2011, it has been heavily reliant on costly imports, a situation that the IZA Africa Desk hopes to turn around by campaigning for the establishment of a new local zinc refinery.
“This is especially important given the ambitious infrastructure delivery programme plan being promoted by the government, which will require large tonnages of zinc coated steel,” notes Norton.
“Our association with SAIMENA is an example of how we are reaching out to the various professional bodies and associations to promote the benefits of specialised processes such as zinc thermal spraying,” concludes Norton.
The IZA Africa Desk will present an expert webinar on galvanizing and zinc coatings on Wednesday 30 June at 14:30. To register for the webinar, visit: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_f5w2-TUzSrC6jv1aPU87GA.
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About SAIMENA
SAIMENA is the only technical society in South Africa dedicated to marine engineers and naval architects. It was founded in 1975 by the former members of the overseas branches, in Cape Town and Durban, of the Institute of Marine Engineers, London. It now has branches in Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth. Its members include seagoing engineers, ship repairers, shipbuilders, marine paints, classification societies, salvage associations, the South African Navy, naval architects and marine consultants.
SAIMENA Contact
Rear Admiral (JG) Kevin Watson (ret), Pr. Eng.
President
Phone: (021) 715 1279
Cell: 082 669 1013
Email: saimena [at] saimena [dot] co [dot] za
About the International Zinc Association
The IZA is the only global industry association dedicated exclusively to the interests of zinc and its users. Operating internationally and locally through its regional affiliates, the IZA helps sustain the long-term global demand for zinc and its markets by promoting such key end uses as corrosion protection for steel and zinc as being essential in human health and crop nutrition. IZA’s main programmes are Sustainability & Environment, Technology & Market Development and Communications. The IZA Africa Desk plays a vital role in establishing the basis for the successful revitalisation of the zinc industry by increasing awareness of zinc and its applications and benefits in key sectors and markets, which will ultimately translate into the increased uptake of zinc.
International Zinc Association Contact
Simon Norton, Africa Desk
IZA Africa Desk
Phone: (021) 788 9980
Cell: 082 831 2924
Email: zinc [at] iafrica [dot] com
Web: www.zinc.org
Media Contact
Rachel Mekgwe
Account Executive
NGAGE Public Relations
Phone: (011) 867-7763
Fax: 086 512 3352
Cell: 074 212 1422
Email: rachel [at] ngage [dot] co [dot] za
Web: www.ngage.co.za
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