Treatment of tanks and voids of backhoe dredger with nC Corrosion Passivator Fluid

In Oktober 2024, the internals of a backhoe dredger were treated with nC Corrosion Passivator Fluid to stop corrosion and prevent loss of steel thickness. Corrosion Passivator Fluid is a rust tolerant soft coat, that can be applied directly on the corroded surface. The surface can be both dry and damp.

• Total treated surface: 1,050 m²
• Treated sections: The tanks, voids and engine room of the barge. Including tank tops, tank floors and bulkheads.
• Project duration: 4 days.
• Team composition: Team of 3 applicators.

Before conservation, the surface of the backhoe dredger required pre-treatment. Loose rust was first removed using putty knives and power tools, followed by high-pressure washing of the tanks. This process effectively removed sludge, sand, loose rust, and loose coatings. As a result, the surface was ready for the application of Corrosion Passivator Fluid without the need for abrasive blasting, reducing both downtime and costs.

After high pressure washing of the tanks, the surface was coated with nC Corrosion Passivator Fluid, a single-layer rust-tolerant coating. It was thoroughly mixed with a paint mixer for even distribution before being applied using an airless spray system and roller.

Corrosion Passivator Fluid is a rust-tolerant soft coat developed for quick and effective treatment of corroded surfaces in tanks and confined spaces. Pre-treatment requirements are minimal, significantly reducing both maintenance costs and downtime. Moreover Corrosion Passivator Fluid can be applied on both damp and dry surfaces.
After application, the passivator changes to a dark anthracite color, making active rust spots easy to identify during inspection. It is recommended to inspect every two years, with any affected areas spot-repaired using a brush, roller, or spray application.

An inspection was conducted four days after application. The measurement results indicate that no harmful gases are being released in the tank. During the inspection, we noticed that some areas required reapplication due to the highly absorbent nature of the existing corrosion on the surface. As a result, spot repairs were necessary using a spray application.

This project demonstrates that a small team of four can efficiently treat a large corroded surface in a short timeframe. Using nC Corrosion Passivator Fluid effectively stops the corrosion processing, extending the dredger’s lifespan. The treatment ensured quick conservation, allowing the dredger to return to operation fast.