Rebuild of Bow Thruster Casing
Refurbishment of Bow Thruster Casing that was heavily corroded with visible pittings.
Rebuild of Corroded Bow Thruster Casing Using Wencon Epoxy
Location
Istanbul, TR
Job and report done by
Esko Marine and BTMteknik
Wencon products used
Rapid, Coating White, Coating Blue,
Cleaner, appl. tools..
A heavily damaged casing
A bow thruster casing is a protective housing for the bow thruster, a critical system that aids in maneuvering the ship, especially in tight spaces like harbors.
Over time, the casing can suffer from corrosion due to constant exposure to seawater. In this case, the corrosion was so severe that visible pitting had formed, requiring a complete rebuild.
Using Wencon epoxy solutions, the casing was restored and protected against future corrosion, ensuring long-term durability and efficiency.
The Wencon application process
Heavily corrosion
On the photo it is clear to see that the casing was heavily damaged by corrosion, where even pittings were visible.
Blasting out rust and dirt
Unit is blasted with Garnet to take all rust and dirt out. Now pittings and damaged parts are visible. In order to get the best possible adhesion, surface is degreased with Wencon
Cleaner.
Wencon Rapid applied
As soon as the surface is dry, Wencon Rapid is applied to fill dents/groves and to rebuild into
original surface. Using a spatula, the housing is rebuilt layer by layer to original shape. Wencon
Rapid exhibits many of the characteristics of metals, which together with outstanding adhesion to all metallic surfaces, makes the repair compound highly suitable for repair of
corroded and worn metals.
Rebuilding case cover
There has been made a wooden ring mould and filled with Wencon Rapid to rebuild the
cover of the case. After it is semi cured, the ring has been taken off and the cover has been rebuilt to original shape.
Two layer coating to avoid future damage
To avoid similar damage in the
future, it is decided to be
protected with Wencon Coating
in a two layer system against
corrosion. The first layer is
applied in White with a brush.
Two layer coating to avoid future damage
Second layer is applied in Blue
and also with a brush. Wencon
Coating offers resistance to oil,
water, saltwater and most diluted
acids and alkalis as well as a range
of solvents. Heat resistance
ranges from 60° C (140°F) in
corrosive and heavy load
environments and up to 250° C
(482°F) when applied as a filling
compound.
And the work is done
After curing over night, only the
after Works remains. The
Wencon materials used at this job
can be machined, drilled and
worked like metal, after curing.
Rebuilt to original shape by using Wencon
The Wencon materials used at this job
can be machined, drilled and worked like metal, after curing. Note the contact surface, which was heavily damaged; is now rebuild to original shape. The steel is now separated from the seawater, and will not be attacked
by bimetallic corrosion for many years.
