Hovercraft Buoyancy Tanks

38 aluminium tanks on-board a hovercraft, with the majority being buoyancy tanks, were found to be leaking. They required the weld joints on the tanks to be sealed with a suitable material that could be guaranteed for 10 years. They also required that all the tank surfaces were given a protective coat against the corrosive effect of a salt water environment.

There would be other ongoing work happening on the vessel at the same time as the refurbishment of the buoyancy tanks (including hot work). Working in tight, confined spaces. Grit blasting was also not permissible/feasible.

The surface was hand abraded to provide a keyed surface followed by washing with detergent to remove any oils or other decontamination. One stripe coat of solvent-free, wet & rust tolerant epoxy Epo-chem™ RS 500P was applied, followed by one primer coat of Epo-chem™ RS 500P. To complete the coating system,
one stripe coat of solvent-free, wet tolerant, glassflake epoxy Epo-chem™ RA 500M was applied, followed by one topcoat of Epo-chem™ RA 500M.

The work was completed on time, with no delays and to the complete satisfaction of all concerned.

• Solvent-free
• No grit blasting
• No disruption to other nearby ongoing work (including hot work)
• No humidity or dew point restrictions
• Reduced H&S and Fire Precaution
• Reduced back-in-service times