In depth surface preparation

Citation

(1998), "In depth surface preparation", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 45 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.1998.12845dad.012

In depth surface preparation

In depth surface preparation

Keywords Marxco, Surface preparation

Marxco is a supplier of de-scaling, cleaning and surface preparation equipment for use by professional maintenance crews in a variety of applications.

Large steel structures, such as bridges and towers, need to be regularly inspected and maintained in order to keep them safely in service. The Eiffel Tower, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Forth Rail Bridge are all examples of where Marxco equipment has been used.

Thousands of square metres of steelwork needs to be regularly cleaned of dirt, old paint and rust before a new coat of paint can be applied and on a large structure of unconventional shape, with complex trusswork and tight angles, many areas are only accessible by intricate arrangements with ropes and slings.

In situations such as these, working hundreds of metres above the ground, lightweight, efficient and reliable tools are essential.

Marxco needle and chisel guns claim to be ideal for applications of this sort. A range of pneumatic needle scalers is available and, with optional dust extractors, prevent debris from falling.

Traditional methods of surface preparation and treatment, such as sand-blasting and high pressure water jets, cannot be used underwater, but Marxco claims to provide a solution.

The high-precision, low-air consumption pneumatic needle scalers and chisel hammers that Marxco can provide, are typically used for applications such as the cleaning of sub-sea structures and surface preparation of ships' hulls during periodic maintenance and repair operations.

Other frequent users are installation and maintenance crews on offshore platforms. Marxco pneumatic needle scalers, chisel hammers can remove dirt, old paint and rust from surfaces prior to welding or applying fresh coats of paint. Such equipment is also used for cleaning river locks from deposits that might otherwise prevent proper sealing.

Many chemical and power plants, located near the sea, lakes and rivers, reportedly make frequent use of Marxco equipment to free their water intake pipe lines from deposits and barnacles to guarantee adequate flow.

Details are available from Marxco, a division of Marcrist Industries Ltd. Tel: +44 (0) 1302 890888; Fax: +44 (0) 1302 883864.