Abrasive Blasting
Abrasive blasting plays a crucial role in achieving these goals, and its application in our shipyard can be described as follows:
Surface Preparation
Before any new coating or paint can be applied to a ship's hull, it is essential to have a clean and properly prepared surface. Abrasive blasting is used to remove old paint, rust, corrosion, and other contaminants from the ship's hull and other components. By eliminating these impurities, the surface is left clean and roughened, facilitating better adhesion of the new coating or paint.
Dry-Docking
When a ship enters dry-dock for inspection, maintenance, or repairs, it presents an ideal opportunity for extensive surface restoration. Dry-docking involves removing the vessel from the water and supporting it on a dry dock platform. During this time, abrasive blasting is often employed to address any hull damages, fouling, and corrosion that may have accumulated during the ship's time at sea.
Tank Cleaning
Ships have various tanks, such as fuel tanks, ballast tanks, and cargo holds, that require periodic cleaning. Abrasive blasting is used to remove scale, residues, and old coatings from these tanks, ensuring they are in optimal condition for their intended use.
Removal of Marine Growth
Over time, marine vessels can accumulate marine growth, such as barnacles and algae, on their hulls. This growth can increase drag, decrease fuel efficiency, and compromise the vessel's performance. Abrasive blasting is used to remove marine growth and restore the hull's smooth surface.
Corrosion Control
Ships are constantly exposed to harsh marine environments, leading to the development of corrosion on their metal surfaces. Abrasive blasting helps eliminate existing corrosion and prepares the surface for the application of corrosion-resistant coatings, protecting the ship from further deterioration.
Repairs and Restoration
When a ship sustains damage, such as hull breaches or structural issues, abrasive blasting is utilized to clean the affected areas before conducting necessary repairs. This process ensures that the repaired areas are free of contaminants, allowing for secure and effective repairs.
Paint Removal and Refinishing
Ships are repainted regularly to maintain their appearance and protect their surfaces. Abrasive blasting is employed to remove old paint and coatings efficiently, making way for fresh paint application.
Safety Measures
Guyana Port Inc. personnel involved in abrasive blasting must adhere to strict safety protocols. Proper ventilation and dust collection systems are employed to control dust and airborne particles, ensuring a safe working environment. Operators wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to safeguard themselves from potential hazards.
We provide sandblasting services also known as abrasive blasting in different specifications such as:
- Sand sweeping of hull of vessel from waterline to keel inclusive of blasting all corroded areas to S.A 1.0 /m2and bevelled edges.
- Sand sweeping hull of vessel from waterline to keel inclusive of blasting all corroded areas to S.A 2.5 (White metal) and bevelled edges.
- Commercial blast cleaning hull of vessel to (S.A 2.0)/m2
- Sand blasting hull of vessel to near white blast cleaning (S.A 2.5)/m2
The S.A scale is as follows:
- S.A 1.0 – light blast cleaning
- S.A 2.0 – Commercial blast cleaning
- S.A 2.5 – Thorough blast cleaning
- S.A 3.0 – White metal blasting