Marine Corrosion Test Site El Bocal (MCTS El Bocal)
TA35 – CTC-MCTS EL BOCAL
Location
Centro Tecnológico CTC, Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Cantabria, Calle Isabel Torres Nº1
39011 Santander, Spain
Description
CTC has a real marine exposure site, the Marine Corrosion Test Site (MCTS) “El Bocal”. The main objective of this facility is to test, study, and analyse, under real conditions, coatings and materials used in the marine industry in renewable energy devices, such as ships, oil and gas structures, etc. The MCTS “El Bocal” has been developed by CTC in collaboration with the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO – CSIC). The MCTS “El Bocal” is on the coast of Cantabria (Spain), in the open sea, a few kilometres from the city of Santander, in the facilities of the Aquaculture Research Plant of the Spanish Institute of Oceanography. It is conveniently located and easily accessible for testing and follow-up activities. The effects of four marine corrosion environments can be studied at the MCTS “El Bocal”, namely submerged, tidal, splash and atmospheric. Thus, a wide range of corrosion and biofouling environments are covered.
A wide range of specimens can be tested and studied. Typical sample dimensions are 150x75mm, although other sizes can be considered. Parts of other components, such as fishing nets, steel cables, concrete, offshore chains, materials for aquaculture cages, etc. can also be placed and studied.
- Analysis of the influence of the offshore environment on materials and degradation processes.
- Determination of corrosion rates.
- Testing of anti-fouling coatings and corrosion protection systems.
- Validation of results obtained in the laboratory (e.g. salt spray chamber, UV chamber, etc.)
- Transport and installation of samples at the MCTS “El Bocal”.
- Visual inspection and review of the condition of the samples at set intervals.
- Brief description of the organisation/associated research infrastructure’s entity
The CTC Technological Center is a private, non-profit foundation dedicated to designing and implementing innovative industrial technology transfer solutions.
Recommendations for visits to MCTS El Bocal:
- You must always be accompanied by CTC personnel and follow their instructions.
- Visits will take place as long as weather conditions are favourable. The CTC staff will keep you informed if a change in weather conditions requires cancelling the visit for safety reasons.
- Visits will take place during CTC working hours and daylight hours.
- Only the area designated as “Secure Zone” is accessible.
- Do not abandon roads or take shortcuts. Avoid creating alternative paths.
- MCTS is located in a coastal area. You must wear boot-type footwear that ensures good ankle support, a non-slip sole that allows a secure grip on the ground, and clothing appropriate for the location and weather conditions.
- Pay attention to the presence of slopes and openings in the terrain to avoid falls, slips or twists, especially in the Restricted Access zone.
- Access to the area marked as ‘Prohibited Access’ is not allowed under any circumstances.
- If you must photograph or film, pay attention to the terrain when searching for the perfect image to avoid possible accidents (falls, slips or sprains).
- Beware of insect and animal bites and remember that you are in a natural area. Avoid littering.
Testing Capabilities
Exposure in marine real environment.
Technical Equipment
Marine corrosion test site.
Additional information
Technology Readiness Level: 4-6
Special considerations: N/A
Technology clusters: Materials for Energy, Ocean Energy, Offshore Wind, PV
Website: https://centrotecnologicoctc.com/ctc/laboratorios/laboratorio-marino-mcts-el-bocal/
Availability: Preferably in spring, summer and autumn. If possible, avoid winter season.
Provision of tools to prepare data sets in a FAIR way: No
