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FAQs
What are the main benefits of Aquasign® or Solis™ over burnout/flame-cut marking?
Aquasign® and Solis™ markers offer a high visibility alternative to flame-cut and burnout markings. In addition, flame-cut and burn-out markings will eventually foul as the marine growth becomes established across the gaps in the steel.
How long will Aquasign® or Solis™ last?
Aquasign® and Solis™ markers are guaranteed to remain free of fouling for 30 years and have a projected life-span on 50 years.
Can Aquasign® or Solis™ be supplied globally?
Aquasign® and Solis™ markers are routinely shipped to all parts of the world. Aquasign® and Solis™ markers and fixings are non-hazardous and should not compromise local shipping regulations.
Can Aquasign® or Solis™ markers be installed by ROV?
Yes. Champion Environ provide three solutions for ROV fixing; a Subsea adhesive that can be bonded in situ by the ROV; a magnetic backing for Aquasign®; and Solis™ and a spring clip fixing for applying retro-fit Aquasign® and Solis™ markers to circular section structures such as pipes, risers or umbilicals. For further information please see the individual fixing data sheets.
Can you bond Aquasign® or Solis™ markers to pre-coated steel?
Aquasign® and Solis™ markers are normally bonded to pre-coated steel using one of our proprietary adhesives, Aquahesive® 5836 or Biohesive225™. These adhesives are compatible with a wide range of coatings including epoxies and polyurethanes. Champion Environ can be consulted for compatibility if necessary.
Do you install the Aquasign® or Solis™ markers?
Champion Environ ordinarily provide Aquasign® and Solis™ markers ready to install complete with all fixings and fully illustrated installation instructions. We will of course provide advice, support and training where required. Champion Environ has a small workforce which is capable of installing the markers, if required.
Do you need to install Aquasign® or Solis™ markers within a certain period of time from purchase?
No, although Aquahesive 5836 and Biohesive™ 225 have a 12 month and 24 month shelf life respectively and should not be used if it is outside this warranty period. Contact Champion Environ for replacement adhesive if this is the case.
Does Aquasign® or Solis™ need to be protected from ROV damage?
Aquasign® and Solis™ markers are remarkably tough. The markers have been extensively tested both in the laboratory and in the field and repeatedly demonstrate good resistance to damage. Some users prefer to add additional protection to anti-fouling markers by surrounding the installation with a steel frame. For further information, see the data on testing of markers.
How is the integrity of Aquasign® or Solis™ affected by pressure and temperature?
Aquasign® markers have been extensively tested in the laboratory and are not affected by pressures equivalent to 11500ft of water depth. This also applies to the fixing materials used with Aquasign® and Solis™. For further information please see the data on testing of markers.
Is Aquasign® or Solis™ an effective solution against all types of marine growth?
Aquasign® and Solis™ resist all form of marine growth, unlike some conventional copper based marking systems that can be readily overgrown by bio-films consisting of copper resistant bacteria. For further information please refer to the data sheets on comparison of marking systems.
The default colour for Aquasign® and Solis™ markers is black text on a yellow background. However, markers can be produced using a variety of standard colours, including red, orange, blue, green and white. Aquasign® and Solis™ markers can also be produced to customer specified colours for manufacturing logos, flags or other visual elements.
What effect does the proprietary oil have on the marine environment?
The proprietary oils exuding from the marker are completely non toxic. Aquasign® and Solis™ markers have no effect on the marine environment and therefore provide an environmentally friendly approach to anti-fouling.
What is the maximum size Aquasign® or Solis™ can be supplied in?
Aquasign® and Solis™ markers can be supplied to a maximum size of 1000mm (~35"). Larger markers can be produced by joining marker panels together and bonding or mechnically fixing in situ. For further information please refer to the relevant section in the website.
What is the standard lead time for Aquasign® or Solis™ ?
Typically, lead time for Aquasign® and Solis™ markers are as follows:
Bonded:
Ex-works, 4 working days following receipt of order
Strapped:
Ex-works, 6 working days following receipt of order
Rigid backed markers:
Ex-works, 6 working days following receipt of order
Bonded:
Ex-works, 4 working days following receipt of order
Strapped:
Ex-works, 6 working days following receipt of order
Rigid backed markers:
Ex-works, 6 working days following receipt of order
What would be a standard size & specification for Aquasign® or Solis™ ?
Certain aspects of Aquasign® and Solis™ markers are standardised to aid manufacturer; these are listed on the specification page. In addition, BS/EN ISO 13628-1:1999 "Petroleum and natural gas industries - Design and operation of subsea production systems" specifies text heights for specific applications; these are also listed on the specification page.
Two types of protective covers are provided by Champion Environ for the Aquasign® range;
i) Yellow - these covers provide protection against UV light that can cause the marker to fade.
ii) Black - these covers provide protection against both UV light and from physical damage including weld-spatter.
Solis™ are supplied with protective covers to keep the marker clean. These can be removed at time although we recommend that they are kept in place until the marker has been installed onto the substrate.
i) Yellow - these covers provide protection against UV light that can cause the marker to fade.
ii) Black - these covers provide protection against both UV light and from physical damage including weld-spatter.
Solis™ are supplied with protective covers to keep the marker clean. These can be removed at time although we recommend that they are kept in place until the marker has been installed onto the substrate.
Can Aquasign® or Solis™ be supplied as a coating?
Although we do not currently have a sprayable version of Aquasign® and Solis™ in our portfolio, the material can be supplied in 1 sq. meter rolls for bonding onto substrates.
