Belzona Repairs Ballast Tank Perforations at Port Service Facility

KHIA ID: 9292
Industry: Marine (MRNE)
Application: TCC-Tanks and Chemical Containment Areas (TCC)
Substrate: Other
Customer Location: France
Application Date: August 2023
Products: Belzona 1818,Belzona 4111 (Magma-Quartz),Belzona 4151 (Magma-Quartz Resin),Belzona 5811 (Immersion Grade),Belzona 5831LT
Problem: The ballast tanks at this port service facility were suffering from corrosion due to exposure to seawater. Previously, metal pads had been welded to repair perforations in the tank. However, this triggered bimetallic corrosion, apart from the original problem of saltwater corrosion. As a result, the corrosion continued and extended around the weld bead and under the welded pads, resulting in through-wall defects.

Extensive damage revealed at the tank bottom after blasting

First coated throughout with Belzona 5831LT and pit filled with Belzona 1818

Belzona 4151-silica mixture was poured over Belzona 5831LT and 1818

Complete application

Application Situation
The outer surface of the ballast tanks was covered with asbestos paint, so the port wanted a solution that would not damage the paint and would not involve hot work. The repaired area had rivets and irregular surfaces, so a solution was required that could be easily applied to such a complex layout.
Application Method
After surface preparation by blasting, Belzona 5811 and 5831LT were applied to the prepared surfaces; Belzona 5811 was applied to the dry areas and Belzona 5831LT to the damp areas. Belzona 1818 was then applied to fill voids and low spots over the applied coating. As a final finishing touch to the repair, a resin rich mix of Belzona 4151 and silica aggregate was poured over the repaired areas to reinforce and level out the bottom.
Belzona Facts
The client had previously used welded metal pads to repair the holes in the tank, but this method did not address the root cause of the problem and instead exacerbated the situation. Belzona therefore emerged as an excellent alternative, eliminating the problems of hot working and bimetallic issue. Furthermore, the chosen products were easily applied to uneven, irregular surfaces and complex structures, solving the problems and protecting the assets from future corrosion.
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