SURFACE PREPARATION FOR SHIP HULL

Prof Ir Dr. Ab Saman b. Abd Kader, PEng, MIEM, MCIT Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, UTM

Description
During this process, surfaces of steel ships are

prepared for painting.

Steam or fresh water under high pressure is played

onto the undersides of hulls to remove barnacles and other growth.

Exterior surfaces may be sandblasted, but chipping,

using chipping hammers, wire brushes and grinders, powered either pneumatically or electrically, is more common.

 Interior preparation is usually done by hand, although

special equipment may be used in tanks and in void or double bottoms. - Chemical paint and rust removers may be used in preparing metal surfaces.

- A commercial diving operation may be used to clean the undersides of hulls while the ship remains in the water. For example, divers may manually steer a hull cleaning device called a SCAMP, which is comprised of rotating steel brushes and an impeller to vacuum the material removed from the hull.

Equipment
Scaffolding and ladders

Abrasive blasting equipment - rubber hose lines, compressors,

nozzles, couplings, etc.

Electrical or pneumatic hand tools Tackle Flame torches Personal protective clothing - hats or hoods, dust masks, goggles,

face shields, respirators, gloves

SCAMP - an underwater hull cleaning device operated by divers

Procedure
In order to maintain conditions Munters normally

install their own desiccant dehumidifiers.

Based on Munters sorption drying wheel, the process

ensures that when the air leaves the dehumidification units and enters the enclosures it is completely dry.
These units also draw in heated reactivation air,

collecting moisture via the drying wheel and then exiting the units and the enclosure as wet air.

 Equipment is normally positioned outside the

temporary structure with the dry air ducted and blown in, ensuring that as air is circulated, moisture is picked up and removed creating a closed circuit and ensuring constant air movement.
Providing a total loss system enables Munters

to effectively pressurise the area and reduce moisture infiltration.

Benefit
Using such methods Munters were able to

provide:
Uninterrupted work Continuous operation

of Munters dehumidifier units enables the programme of works to be completed without interruption, ensuring all deadlines are met.

 Controlled resurfacing conditions

- Regular checks are undertaken during the entire resurfacing process to ensure RH is constantly maintained irrespective of weather conditions. - This constant level of humidity improves the overall curing process and avoids corrosion and condensation.
Reduced energy costs

- In addition to being more effective, Munters dehumidifiers are considerably more efficient than heaters at controlling humidity, consequently costing less and providing a more environmentally friendly option.

Characteristics
An inert topcoat designed for full immersion service to

overcoat virtually any surface and make it highly resistant to moisture and oxygen permeation, corrosion and chemical attack and abrasion
coatings exhibit outstanding weathering characteristics in both

salt and fresh water environments

ideal for full immersion service on all marine equipment,

pipeline systems, water tank linings, or any immersed or semiimmersed components

 Designed to protect ferrous and non-ferrous metals, fiberglass, carbon fiber and

concrete, it provides a high quality finish, offers exceptional all round performance and is an impenetrable barrier to marine boring organisms.
An impenetrable barrier to marine boring organisms (readily cleaned of marine

growth)
Outstanding Hydrophobic and Oleophobic surface properties Impervious to moisture and oxygen permeation (Osmotic barrier) Highly flexible and outstanding impact and abrasion resistance Extremely low surface energy reduces friction and drag

Highly resistant to attack by hydrocarbons and chemical products

Water potable and completely non-toxic to marine environments

Repair Activities
Underwater Hull Cleaning is accomplished

periodically to:

Improve fuel economy through reduction of hull friction resistance by removing marine fouling Restore acoustical capability of sonar devices
Prepare damaged or abraded surfaces for application of underwater curing compounds