2017
In September 2017 we applied two coats of NanoPrep to the base of a structural steel column at a sugar mill. The column forms part of the structure of a sugar conveyor located within 20 feet of a salt water river. The whole structure is suffering severe weathering and corrosion damage, and it has been deemed impractical to abrasive blast and coat the conveyor.
The client tested NanoPrep on a small, corroded steel area to see if it could provide a suitable surface for a protective top coat.
Corroded base of substrate
Base being prepared by hand tool
Completed Surface Preparation
NanoPrep applied by brush
Application of two coats of NanoPrep
Top coat Applied (six weeks later)
2018 to 2019
An inspection was completed in May 2018. The application had seen no deterioration and system was in good condition.
An additional inspection was completed in August 2019 where there was clear evidence of rust on the coating, however this was from the salt water and rust dripping onto the base from above. Once cleaned the application was found to be completely intact and the adhesion of the NanoPrep was excellent.
The system was not drummy at all when tapped with a screw driver and the base remains completely protected.
Base showing excellent adhesion of NanoPrep
2020 to 2021
A third Inspection of the application was conducted in March 2020. Again, heavy rust had formed on the application from the structure above. ReziSafe’s Acidsafe 80 was used to clean the rust as best as possible (some rust could not be removed) which showed the application still in excellent condition. When tapped with a screw driver the coating was very solid and continues to protect against the harsh conditions.
A fourth inspection of the application was conducted in November 2021. Again, heavy rust had formed on the application from the structure above. ReziSafe’s Acidsafe 80 was used to clean the rust as best as possible and once removed showed the application still in excellent condition. The coating was still in very good condition and continues to protect against the harsh conditions.
Midway through 2024, 7 years on, the coating is still tightly bonded to the surface and protected against further corrosion, even in the harshest salt water environment.
2024
Midway through 2024, 7 years on, the coating is still tightly bonded to the surface and protected against further corrosion, even in the harshest salt water environment.
Base before and after cleaning of surface rust, showing application of NanoPrep in excellent condition
Project Specification
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Industry | Sugar |
| Application | Structural steel column — base corrosion |
| Surface condition | Significant corrosion at column base |
| Surface preparation | Hand tool clean — no blasting |
| Application method | Brush application |
| NanoPrep system | NanoPrep rust primer + compatible topcoat |
| Key requirement | In-situ treatment without production disruption |
