Abstract: A mechanical process for preventing the fouling of metalic objects such as ship propellers, hulls and other types of hardware exposed to seawater by application on the exposed surface of a ceramic coating. The coating is applied by thermal spraying. The ceramic coating is formulated to have sufficient hardness to prevent encrustation of barnacles, tube worms and other parasites, but retains enough malleability to prevent brittleness and to provide sufficient resistance to impacts.

Abstract: A series of protective layers, particularly adapted to application by flame spray processes, provides reliable fouling and corrosion protection against an underwater environment. The construction of the multiple layers provides an underlying galvanic layer and an exposed but intermittent layer providing fouling protection. The two protective layers are electrically insulated by an intervening insulating layer. In the preferred embodiment, the layers are applied by a flame spray process, with partial masking of the final application to provide an intermittent layer. Thickness of layers can be easily varied to provide optimum protection against both fouling and corrosion in a variety of environments.

Abstract: A containerized movable maintenance plant grouping all equipment and facilities necessary to conduct abrasive blasting and thermal spraying operations at any location, even under severe climatic and environmental conditions or restrictions. The entire plant is packaged into two standard size marine-style shipping containers; one adapted to serve as a blasting booth, the other adapted to act as a spraying booth. The blasting unit includes a powerful ventilation apparatus and a blasting medium recovery and recycling system, as well as an effluent air treatment device in order to avoid polluting the surroundings. The spraying unit includes a complete air compressing and conditioning system which can eliminate oil, moisture, and other pollutants from the compressed air in order to achieve a durable bond between the sprayed material and the receiving base.