ICORR Works Visit

ICORR WORKS VISIT TO EAST ANGLIAN GALVANIZING LTD

A few members of ICorr enjoyed a visit to East Anglian Galvanizing Ltd on Wednesday, 29 September 2010. The morning started with presentation by Steve Milnes, Eastern Regional Director, followed by Questions & Answers. After a Safety brief/issue of PPE, there followed a tour of the plant, followed by another opportunity for Q&A’s and lunch. With more than 150 years of history, Wedge Group Galvanizing is one of UK’s largest hot-dip galvanizing organizations.

The process involves the work being given an initial hot caustic dip at 45-50°C, followed by a rinse. Then the work is pickled in 12 - 14% hydrochloric acid. After another rinse, it is placed in a flux tank at 65 - 75°C, containing a proprietary mixture of ammonium chloride, zinc chloride and potassium chloride. After passing through a hot-air dryer, the work is then  immersed in the molten zinc at 450°C for several minutes. Intermetallic compounds are  formed at the metal-coating interface with the object so that an alloyed layer is produced in this region. Finally, the work is quenched in a chromate passivating tank to ensure a bright finish. The shortest bath
size is 4.5 m; the longest being 22 m (with a double dip capability of 29 m), the maximum vertical dip being 3.2 m and a maximum lifting capacity of 16 tonnes. All processes carried
out at the plant are conform to all environmental regulations with respect to land, air and water, e.g. hot air re-circulation from the zinc kettle and collection of rainwater and re-circulation of rinse/pickle and quenching waters - in fact a good role model for any modern industrial plant.
The benefits of galvanizing include: speed of application compared to paint, long life expectancy (typically 20 years industrial/marine and up to 50+ years in rural environments), all-over coverage and low lifetime cost. 

The company has a wide spread of markets, with some 2500 customers. With 800 employees based at 14 sites, the company remains family-owned. The Company is a Sustaining Member of ICorr, EGCA and BCSA. It has recently become global - with plants in the USA, Germany, Italy and a joint venture in India.

The members attending thanked their hosts for an enjoyable and instructive visit.
Additional information: Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd, Stafford Street, Willenhall, West Midlands, WV13 1RZ. 
Tel: 0845 271 6090. www.wedgegalv.co.uk