Corrosion Protection Methods for Steel Frontal Panels: Do You Know Them?
As an important part of harbor structures, fenders play a vital role in protecting ships and docks. In large terminals, fenders are usually equipped with steel frontal panels and facing pads, which can effectively in disperse impact force and minimize fender damage when ship berths. As steel frontal panels are exposed to corrosive marine environments for a long time, corrosion protection is a priority in their design and maintenance.
The corrosion protection methods of steel frontal panels can be divided into the following four main types:
Black Paint Coating
Black paint coating is a traditional and cost-effective basic protection method. It reduces the risk of rusting on metal surfaces by providing a simple barrier against moisture and air voids. However, it is less durable, especially in harsh marine environments, and requires regular maintenance and recoating.
Epoxy Coating
Epoxy coating forms a strong and chemical-resistant coating that prevents water and salt from reaching the metal surface. Its high durability makes it ideal for harsh environments, but regular maintenance should be ensured.
Hot-Dip Galvanization
Hot-dip galvanizing forms a dense zinc protective layer by dipping steel frontal panels into molten zinc. This method combines dual protection of physical barriers and sacrificial anodes, providing excellent corrosion resistance and long service life, but at a relatively high cost.
Zinc Anode Protection
Zinc anode protection provides cathodic protection by connecting zinc anodes to steel frontal panels. The zinc anode corrodes preferentially, thereby protecting steel frontal panels from corrosion. This method performs well in marine environments and can extend service life of steel frontal panels by regularly replacing zinc anodes.
Regardless of corrosion protection method used, it effectively protects steel frontal panels. Terminal operators can choose the most suitable corrosion protection solution based on cost, environment and service life requirements to ensure the long-term and stable operation of port facilities.