Innovative technology protects against corrosion, boosting energy efficiency in Brazil
As Brazil emerges on the global stage as a leader in solar energy, the search for effective methods to extend the life of plant equipment has become a priority. Cold galvanizing appears as an avant-garde solution, offering protection against corrosion, essential for maintaining high productivity in solar installations. According to the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the country already has more than 18 thousand solar plants, which together produce 10,3 gigawatts annually, highlighting the immense potential of this renewable source.
The battle against corrosion
Marcos Pacheco, chemist at Quimatic, a specialty chemical manufacturer, points out that cold galvanizing not only protects the metal structures of photovoltaic plants against corrosion, but also integrates with the metal, creating an insurmountable barrier to rust. This technology stands out compared to conventional methods, such as painting or using tarpaulin, as it offers longer-lasting and reliable protection.
Efficiency and Practicality
Solar plant equipment, often exposed to adverse conditions, receives hot galvanization at the factory. However, maintenance and interventions, such as cuts and welding, can compromise this initial protection. Cold galvanizing, applied simply using a brush or spray gun, is a practical solution for reinforcements or repairs, eliminating the need to disassemble or transport parts.
Quimatic’s pioneering spirit and innovation
Quimatic, a pioneer in the introduction of cold galvanizing in Brazil in the 90s, offers two main solutions: CRZ, dark gray in color, and GALVALUM, with an aluminized finish. Both options form a layer of zinc that not only prevents the metal from direct contact with corrosive agents, but also provides cathodic protection, where the zinc is sacrificed before the base metal. This strategy ensures the integrity of the metal, including in cases of damage to the zinc layer.
Proven, affordable protection
With zinc of 99,9% purity, Quimatic's solutions meet the rigorous ASTM A 780 and ABNT 6323 standards. In corrosion resistance tests, these products demonstrated effectiveness exceeding 1.200 hours in salt spray chambers, equivalent to more than five years of protection in extreme conditions. “Cold galvanizing allows solar energy plants in Brazil to significantly increase the useful life of their equipment, maintaining the sector’s accelerated growth rate,” says Pacheco.
Quimatic also offers a complete online course on cold galvanizing, providing the knowledge and skills necessary to apply this technology effectively. This innovation represents a milestone in the maintenance and sustainability of solar plants, ensuring that Brazil remains at the forefront of clean and renewable energy production.
Source: Edson Barros – Diálogo Assessoria de Imprensa.
