INTRODUCTION
A hot-dip galvanizing plant is unlike any other industrial manufacturing operation in that products manufactured elsewhere are delivered, largely in an unscheduled manner, by a large number of diverse clients, with an expectation that the finished product will be available in less than a week from the time of delivery.
Steel fabrications that are required to be hot-dip galvanized come in an infinite variety, from small parts to large or complex structural sections. Each item has to be evaluated by the galvanizer to determine how it will best be handled through the galvanizing process.
One consignment of steel may need to go via three separate routes through the galvanizing process because of its specific handling requirements. To ensure that each order is processed efficiently, and is collated correctly on exiting the galvanizing process, the delivery documentation and the communication between galvanizer and customer needs to a high standard.
DOCUMENTATION
On delivery, the work should be accompanied by documentation containing the following information:
• Customer contact details
• Quotation number if appropriate
• Order number for the work
• Detailed description of each item (e.g. 6 off 250 x 250 x 9 SHS 1450 mm long)
• Any special requirements for inspection, packaging or delivery.
IDENTIFICATION
Each item or batch needs to be clearly identified by permanent marking (stamping or welded mark numbers) or my marking with an approved type of marking paint. Using incorrect types of marking paint will result in galvanizing defects as the chemical pre-treatment may not remove the wrong type of paint. At this point, the item is tagged with an embossed metal tag indicating the Factory Order Number allocated to the job. This tag remains attached to the item or part of a batch.
On major projects involving quantities of scheduled steelwork, arrangements can be made to mark individual items with clearly visible mark numbers after galvanizing (using black marking pens) to facilitate sorting and erection on site.
PROJECT ADMINISTRATION
On major construction projects, fabricated steel may be sourced from a number of fabricators, with the galvanizing plant controlling the scheduling and dispatch of loads to the construction site. Industrial Galvanizers Australian Galvanizing Division has managed a number of large projects of this nature, involving up to 6000 tonnes of fabricated structural steel.
Close liaison between the project managers and Industrial Galvanizers’ operations is essential to ensure that documentation and processing is done in accordance to the construction requirements. Special process documentation, including bar coding systems, has been implemented on specific projects, permitting close control of tracking items through the process.
LOADING AND PACKAGING
Industrial Galvanizers’ aim is to return the finished galvanized products to its customers in good condition. The regular processing of manufactured products can be facilitated through the use of purpose built containers or stillages for transporting product to and from the galvanizing plant.
Special arrangement can be negotiated for items to be packed for final shipment at the galvanizing plant and this is currently done for a number of customers around Australia. Arrangements can also be made to store finished work to reduce transport and handling costs.
TRANSPORT
Each Industrial Galvanizers plant has its own fleet of delivery vehicles, including table-tops and semi-trailers. Pick and delivery services can be negotiated or included within the galvanizing cost for established account customers.
For long-haul transport, Industrial Galvanizers can assist clients with transport arrangements.
STORAGE OF GALVANIZED WORK
The storage of work following galvanizing is the responsibility of the customer. It is important that stored galvanized work is stacked so that each item is well ventilated and can adequately drain rainwater from its surfaces.
Poor storage of finished product can give rise to white storage staining (white rust) which is caused by rapid corrosion of the freshly applied galvanized coating by pure water (rain or condensation).in badly drained or ventilated conditions. Severe white rusting can occur very quickly, particularly in warm, humid conditions and may result in the coating becoming unserviceable prior to installation.
The use of hardwood dunnage may also cause tannin staining of the galvanized coating if the stacked work is wet during storage. While this does not affect durability, the dark brown staining that occurs may be aesthetically unacceptable and is difficult to remove.
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