Metal Spray Industry Articles
Metallisation customer Lainsa (based in Mexico and part of Grupo Dominguis) provides metal spraying for corrosion protection of pipes used to exchange and transport dry water vapour in thermo-electric, conventional and nuclear power plants.
The application of metal spraying is critical, as the circulation of dry steam at high temperatures can lead to corrosion of the carbon steel. As a consequence of this corrosion the pipes can become perforated, which can lead to an unplanned closure of the plant resulting in a costly and inconvenient loss of electricity generation.
Metallisation’s thermal spraying equipment has been protecting a diverse range of surfaces, structures and vessels for over ninety years and continues to be the chosen solution for many industry sectors. A recent project has yet again proven the longevity of thermal sprayed surfaces.
Parkol Marine Engineering, based in Whitby, has recently applied a thermal sprayed zinc coating during a refurbishment of the whitefish trawler Resilient LK195. At the same time as the Resilient was being coated, the 26m single rig whitefish trawler, the Guardian Angell LK272 was back at the Whitby boatyard.
Livestock/Cattle trucks use the Arc Spray process to protect them from corrosion. The Metal Spray process has a significant advantage over Paint and Galvanising with animal transport vehicles and trailers. Not only does the surface have to be able to withstand wear (from the animal hooves etc.) that may contain erosive soil, but also the chemical effect of their urine and excrement. The use of Zinc in this application works within a pH range of 6 to 10. The urinary pH range for the cow, sheep, goat, and horse is ∼7.9 ± 0.5. For the pig, this range may extend to 6.5 ± 1.5, for cats and dogs 6.0 ± 1.0, and for humans 6.5 ± 1.5 (1). The diet of the animal is the major determinant of urinary pH levels.
Metal Spray/Thermal Spray/Spray Galvanizing refers to the same process which has been in existence since the early 1900’s and is, to this day - a process used worldwide. The Metal Spray process involves the melting of a wire and using compressed air to project it onto the work piece. Coatings can be tailored to suit the environment into which the component will be located (Zinc is used in the process of Galvanising). Metal Spray is however not limited to Zinc coatings, the Metal Spray process can also use, but is not limited to - Aluminium, Copper, Steel and Bronze coatings. Particular materials perform better in certain environments and the Metal Spray process provides flexibility to ensure that the appropriate material is being used for the job.
