Technologies for Anti-Corrosion Protection of Containers: What is the Best Treatment?
Sea containers operate under harsh conditions: constant exposure to moisture, salt, ultraviolet radiation, and mechanical damage significantly reduces their service life. To extend the operational period of a container, it is important to choose the right anti-corrosion protection methods. Let's look at the main technologies and the best materials for treating containers.
Causes of Corrosion in Sea Containers
Corrosion is a natural process of metal degradation due to external factors. The main causes of rust formation on containers include:
- High humidity and condensation inside the container.
- Exposure to seawater and salty air.
- Temperature fluctuations leading to microcracks.
- Damage to the paint coating during loading and unloading operations.
- Chemical exposure from transported cargo.
Main Anti-Corrosion Protection Technologies
1. Priming and Painting
One of the most common methods is coating the container with special primers and paints resistant to aggressive environments. These include:
- Epoxy primers – provide strong adhesion to metal and resistance to moisture.
- Polyurethane paints – create a durable coating with high UV resistance.
- Zinc coatings – provide additional protection against corrosion.
2. Anti-Corrosion Coatings
There are special compounds that prevent metal oxidation:
- Polymer coatings – form a protective film that prevents contact with moisture.
- Bitumen mastics – used for protecting the bottom of the container.
- Anti-corrosion oils and corrosion inhibitors – used to treat internal surfaces.
3. Galvanization
Galvanic zinc coating is a method in which the container is covered with a layer of zinc, preventing rust formation. This method is commonly applied in the production of new containers.
4. Cathodic Protection
This technology is based on the use of anodes (magnesium or aluminum) that prevent corrosion of metal surfaces. It is more commonly used for ship hulls but can be adapted for containers.
5. Anti-Corrosion Impregnation and Varnishes
Special varnishes and impregnations are applied to the metal parts of the container, creating a water-repellent barrier.
How to Properly Treat a Container?
To extend the service life of a container, follow this treatment process:
- Clean the surface from dirt, old paint, and rust (sandblasting or mechanical treatment).
- Apply an anti-corrosion primer.
- Coat the container with anti-corrosion paint.
- Treat critical areas (seams, corners, bottom) with additional protective compounds.
- Regularly inspect and, if necessary, renew the protective coating.
