Ecosea produce a range of protective coatings for the marine industry. Offering epoxy and urethane coatings to protect against corrosion and/or fouling, our products are effective, competitive and long lasting. Significant testing, computer based modeling, in house analysis, long term field trials and external research organisations are employed to investigate and confirm the efficacy and benefits of our products before an Ecosea coating is launched and available for use.
Since the ban on TBT based anti-fouling products - which were proven to be extremely detrimental to the environment, paint manufacturers have striven to produce an alternative that was as effective in controlling bio-fouling, but without the unacceptable environmental side effects produced by TBT. Cuprotect® is a product that can provide effective, long-term bio-fouling protection to marine craft. With a proven track record in the leisure marine sector, Cuprotect® is not a paint, but an internationally patented, unique fouling control system that can help minimise maintenance and fuel costs whilst providing protection to your boat.
The Cuprotect® system uses the metallurgical, non-corroding properties of copper alloys to provide unmatched long-term bio-fouling protection, even under the most stringent conditions. Cuprotect® comprises of a a zinc-rich micaceous iron oxide primer scheme which insulates the substrate from the water. This high performance anti-corrosive scheme provides a tough, stable base with a strong bond to the substrate. This is followed by a binder which ensures optimum bonding between the primer and the final, sprayed-on outer layer of 90:10 cupronickel granular alloy.
How does it work? - Copper-nickel alloys have a high natural resistance to bio-fouling and are extremely durable, having proved their performance over many years in applications such as marine pipe work, offshore structures and boat hulls. Upon immersion, the copper oxide film already present on Cuprotect®’s exposed layer of copper nickel granules reacts with the salt water to form a complex salt (hydroxychlomride) of copper oxide. This is generally seen as a very thin and tough green patina and it is this patina that provides a surface which most marine life forms consider inhospitable. Unlike other anti-fouling systems which may use copper-nickel granules suspended in a resin (and require frequent abrasion to expose more copper), Cuprotect®’s granules provide 100% coverage of the surface area, ensuring maximum bio-fouling protection.
Cuprotect® granules are non-conductive because the small contact area between each particle (Branley effect) creates a high electrical resistance. As a result of this electrical resistance, the Cuprotect® coating is non conductive and therefore will not promote the risk of galvanic degradation or electrolysis.
High Performance Antifouling - Cuprotect® uses the known properties of copper to provide the most effective antifouling protection available worldwide.
Low Maintenance - Compared with traditional antifouling paints which can begin to foul within a few months, and need re-applying regularly, Cuprotect® remains free from macro fouling year after year without sanding or re-coating. Slime may form on the surface occasionally, however, this is removed while underway.
After 2 years, a boat fitted with Cuprotect® still shows
no sign of fouling growth other than on the areas that
were not treated with Cuprotect®, such as the propellers,
sacrificial anodes and skin fittings. Note also the small
area of hull adjacent to the port side anode that was
purposely ‘missed’ during treatment - that confirmed
beyond any doubt the efficacy of Cuprotect®!
Extended Life - The granules on the outer layer of Cuprotect® are almost non corrodible in sea water. The corrosion rate of 90:10 cupronickel alloy has been determined to be between 1.3µ and 7µ per annum. The alloy is applied at 150-200µ thickness, giving Cuprotect® the longest life span available on the market. All components within the Cuprotect® system are designed to perform in excess of 20 years, providing long-term asset protection.
Fuel Efficiency - Removing fouling from cooling systems can improve engine and therefore fuel efficiency.
Environmentally Friendly - Reduced fuel consumption reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Cuprotect®’s low leaching rate also ensures minimal environmental impact. Cuprotect® does not contain TBT’s or organic biocides. HSE approved (HSE 8062, ISO/DIS 15181-1 and 2).
Flexibility - Cuprotect® can be applied to steel, GRP and many other substrates. Cuprotect® is compatible with most high performance coating systems.
Unique - Cuprotect® is a unique fouling control system developed and patented by Ecosea Ltd and must only be applied by trained professional installers.
Professional trained and approved installers using computer
controlled spray equipment are available Worldwide to
install Cuprotect® on your vessel.
Above the waterline protection - Ecosea are also able to supply a full range of Moisture Cure Urethane coatings for use above the waterline. These coatings have proved their durability and performance in some of the harshest marine environments in the world. Further details are available on request.
