A step-by-step guide to underwater pile protection

Protecting underwater piles from UV, impacts and corrosion is critical. Failure to properly maintain these marine structures will result in unsafe structures and extremely costly repair. Pile protection systems, such as the SeaShield series from Denso North America, offer the necessary protection, and are fast and easy to apply, even underwater.

Denso North America outlines step-by-step instructions on the engineering specifications for its SeaShield Series 2000HD, to guide users to proper application. The guide shows that underwater pile protection is just steps away:

1. Prepare the surface 

• Ensure any weld spatter, sharp points or edges are removed.
• Remove loose paint, rust, foreign matter or marine growth. This can be done by hand or by using power tools.
• High pressure water blasting or a hydraulic whirl away can also be used to help prepare the surface.
• If the pile surface has pitting greater than two mm in depth, use Denso S105 paste to create a smooth surface. Apply the paste using a gloved hand to slowly rub the paste into the pits.
• Use Denso Profiling Mastic to achieve a uniform shape around valves, flanges, brackets, etc. Fill and pack any cavities so that tape can be applied without voids or bridging.

2. Apply piling tape

• Hold the tape end firmly against the starting point and press it into the pile surface. 
• Begin unrolling the tape while holding the roll close to the pile. Avoid getting a long lead of tape, as that can lead to folding and gaps on the surface being wrapped.
• Keep enough tension on the tape to ensure continuous adhesion, but do not stretch it.
• Press out any folds or air pockets as you proceed with application.
• When it’s time to start a new roll of tape, ensure at least six inches of overlap.
• Smooth out the overlaps by running your hand along the tape in the direction of the spiral.

3. Apply outercover

• Wrap the outercover tightly around the pile, and align the holes with the fastener bars.
• Secure the outercover using the specified bolts, nuts and washers.

To see the instructions in their entirety, download SeaSheild’s engineering specs from Denso North America’s website. The company offers a range of steel and concrete pile protection systems designed to add many years to the service life of piles.

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