VeroLaser Case Study
Our client faced some unique challenges to deliver the High Intensity Amplified Lighting (HIAL) structure at Australia’s newest airport. The 390-metre-long steel structure extends into Queensland’s Morton Bay and serves to guide approaching aircraft onto a new 3.3-kilometre runway. After six years of construction this major project is set to open in June 2020.
The Problem
Contamination deposited on the horizontal surfaces supporting the walkway and platform decking had compromised the integrity of the coating subjecting the steel structure to the onset of corrosion in a coastal marine environment.
The HIAL structure is located adjacent the Boondall Wetlands nature reserve increasing the clients concerns when considering contaminate removal by traditional blast cleaning methods using abrasive or water jetting.
Further complicating matters is the significant cost associated with the removal of the installed lighting towers to access the decking support structure.
Solution
Vero Laser’s NACE certified personnel inspected the HIAL steel structure. Samples were removed and tested by QUT’s Science & Engineering Faculty to determine the type of contamination using optical and electron microscopy (figure 1.)
Figure 1 
Figure 2
Scanning electron microscopy and EDS analysis were conducted with JEOL 6360A. Optical images were obtained with a stereo microscope (figure 2.).
We conducted an onsite trial to determine the effectiveness of the laser contaminate removal process. This provided sufficient confidence for our client to proceed to contract works.
Our highly mobile 100W unit was deployed to remove the contaminate while the platform decking remaining secured. (Figure 3.)
Figure 3. Laser operation 
Figure 4. Surface contamination
By utilising laser, Vero Laser rapidly removed the surface contamination and retained the existing prime coat.
Laser productivity rates are comparable to traditional industrial cleaning methods using our larger high-powered systems however, the mobility of the 100W unit was ideal for this application.
The gains in time with minimal set up and movement far outweighed any other loss. The 100W laser unit runs off a small 3 -KVA generator and has a 3-metre fibre optic cable. For the larger high-powered units Vero Laser can provide up to 50 metres of fibre optic cable.
Vero Laser creates minimal noise, no dust and significantly increases operator safety when compared to traditional surface cleaning methods.
“This project is a perfect example how new laser cleaning technology can be implemented to deliver a safer, smarter and easier solutions to challenging marine projects” Ben Gunness – Vero Laser.
Vero Laser delivered outstanding results for our client, saving both time and money by utilising laser’s ability to remove surface contaminates, retain prime coats and operate with sustainable environmental practices in a nature reserve.
info@verolaser.com.au
0497 318 746
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